By DAVID JUSTICE
Correspondent
BUNN - Bunn coach Chris Miller was a little disappointed his team led by just seven at halftime, but the way the Wildcats defense was playing that was a huge lead as the Wildcats advanced to the third round of the NCHSAA 2-AA football playoffs with a 27-7 win over Kinston.
Bunn (11-2) will travel to Northeastern next week.
"We kept hurting ourselves in the first half, two turnovers in the redzone and seven offensive penalties," Miller said. "But the kids really showed up to play and I was so proud of their effort."
Quarterback Andre' Davis in particular showed up early. On the Wildcats' first play from scrimmage he broke away for a 69-yard run and on the next play threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Brandenburg for a 6-0 lead just 58 seconds into the game.
Bunn's defense was stellar throughout the game and set up a 43-yard second quarter scoring drive. This time Davis connected with Jeremy Gourley on a 10-yard touchdown pass. Miles Clifton ran in the two-point conversion for the 14-0 lead.
Kinston answered with a 65-yard drive. It proved to be the Vikings's only productive offensive series in the game. Junior quarterback C.J. Bradshaw threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Kris Williams on the final play of the half.
Bunn, though, wouldn't let the Vikings use that score to take control of the game.
"That was our kids making plays," Miller said of the Wildcats second half dominance. "We made the big plays on defense and converted a lot of third down plays on offense. Our linebackers, Demetri Taylor, James Bumpers, and Dezmond Hopkins, played great. And Andre' Davis is a player, just a winner. When I need a play I count on him."
Montrel Cooke's third quarter fumble recovery set up a 22-yard touchdown run by Clifton and Davis led a 69-yard scoring drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run by Davis at the end of the third quarter for the final score.
