Fuquay-Varina had a great football team in 2010, but couldn't beat Tri-Nine 4-A Conference rival Panther Creek, losing to the Catamounts 38-37 during the regular season and 35-28 in the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4-AA playoffs.

Nevertheless, Fuquay posted its fifth straight 11-win season, a streak that is unmatched in the area.

Other than Panther Creek, no team was able to consistently move the ball against the Bengals. Seven of Fuquay's opponents were held to one touchdown or less and excluding the Catamounts, no team scored more than 21 points.

The Bengals graduated their line leaders, including University of North Carolina recruit Shawn Underwood and runner Cory Hunter, who scored 32 touchdowns last season. But Ricky Fergerson, a 1,000-yard rusher, returns, as does 900-yard passer Evan McNeil.

Tyson Fernandez and Zach Tousignant return to the offensive line. Corner Garrett Suggs, who had eight interceptions, safety Kahlil Perine and defensive end Quinton Harris will lead the defense.

"We lost a lot of talent and leadership from the 2010 team," Fuquay coach Ryan Habich said. "We will have to develop player leadership, learn how to overcome adversity and play Fuquay-Varina football."