Opposite emotions poured out of Hoggard and Millbrook football players on Friday, Nov. 28, as the teams collided in the NCHSAA 8A East regional championship at Scott Braswell Stadium.

Millbrook walked off the field tasting history. The Wildcats earned their first trip to a state championship game. Hoggard walked off with its perfect 2025 season shattered.

Both arrived undefeated. Both came knowing one dream would survive, and one would end. There was no middle ground.

For Millbrook, which trailed 7-0 and waited until midway through the third quarter to score, the mission was simple, even if the moments were not.

"It was just all about staying calm," running back Brilison McCullers said after scoring both Wildcats' touchdowns. "Trusting your teammates, trusting the coaches; (we knew)

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