Zebulon — On Oct. 29, the Zebulon and East Wake middle school football teams met in the last regular game of the year, and it was set to be an exciting match-up between two undefeated teams.

The Cougars, who hadn’t lost a game in its last 17 outings, called the game Homecoming and held a pep rally the day of the game. The Warriors hung posters around the school and treated the team to a luncheon, sponsored by the parents.

Each team was prepared, excited and ready to meet their conference rivals. Both teams were met with support as they arrived to the field in Zebulon. The Cougars had a large following at the game, including the band, step-team, dance team and cheerleaders.

East Wake came out firing, scoring first in the game and pumping up the fans on a pair of Josh James passes, one to the regular quarterback Dylan Alexander, to give the team the 16-0 lead — where the score would remain at the half.

Neither team scored in the third quarter, but about ten minutes into the fourth quarter the Cougars got their only touchdown of the day from Alex Cowan to get the team within one possession, 16-8.

As time wound down, the Warriors held their breaths. Not since 1997 had an East Wake Middle School football team gone undefeated, and not since taking over the head coaching position had coach Justin Smith won a conference title. The team was about to do both.

As the clock ran out, the Warrior fans rushed the field.

Zebulon coach Mike Murray’s streak came to a close, but his numbers are still remarkable. The team has posted a 22-2 record over the last three years.

“I think we’ve done a good job with what we had, we were 6-1 on a good season,” Murray said.

Zebulon faces Wakefield next Wednesday at Wakefield High School for the first round of playoff games.

East Wake faces East Millbrook on the road next Wednesday at 4 p.m. for its playoff opener.