FUQUAY-VARINA -- Powerful Fuquay-Varina got it done on the ground Friday night.
The Bengals ran for 414 yards, with junior fullback Cory Hunter's 135 leading the way, to beat Millbrook 27-13 and advance to the second round of the NCHSAA 4-AA football playoffs.
Junior wingback Eric Powell gave Fuquay the lead on a 25-yard touchdown run just two minutes into the game. Senior quarterback Nate Budde scored on the Bengals' next possession as Fuquay went up 14-0.
Fuquay's defense frustrated Millbrook quarterback Trey McFarland into a 5-for-17 passing performance in the first half.
Budde was at it again on Fuquay's first possession of the third quarter, getting loose for a 38-yard run and then capping a 78-yard Bengals scoring drive with a 5-yard touchdown run.
McFarland found his rhythm in the second half, passing to Scott Gray for a 5-yard touchdown.
Hunter ran for a 15-yard score to cap a 5-play Fuquay drive on the next possession.
The Wildcats (6-6) weren't done. McFarland, who threw for 230 yards, found Dontre Price in the end zone to make it 27-13 with just over six minutes remaining.
"Offensively and defensively, our kids are running to the football," said Fuquay Coach Ryan Habich.
Fuquay-Varina (10-2) will travel to Southern Pines Pinecrest High on Friday for a second-round matchup.
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