University of Virginia Library

State Jinx Since '49

Wolfpack Prowls For Spoiler

By Hugh Antrim
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

For the first time in a long while
Earle Edwards N.C. State Wolfpack
are not contenders for the ACC title
(2-2), but come prowling toward
Charlottesville with hopes to spoil
any Wahoo championship aspirations.

As Virginia features the potent
running duo of Helman and Lacey,
the Wolfpack boasts quite a running
attack themselves in Leon Mason
and Charlie Bowers. Both seniors,
Mason has rushed for 351 yards and
a 6.6 average while Bowers has
accumulated 347 yards in five
games. Helman has amassed 508
yards in just four games.

Mason stands 5-11 and weighs a
swift 180 from his wingback
position. Halfback Bowers packs an
even 200 pounds on a 6-1 frame.
Dave Rodgers, a junior, complements
the running game for State at
fullback.

Darrell Moody, a 5-11,
175-pound junior directs his team
at the quarterback slot. Thus far on
the season Moody has completed
30 of 55 passes for 310 yards and
one touchdown. One interesting
note for Maury Bibent's defensive
secondary is the fact that Moody in
five games has yet to be intercepted.

The State offensive line sports
some big tractors. Sophomore Dan
Sarik has been assigned to the
centering responsibilities; he moves
well at 6-2 and 210 pounds. Robby
Evans and Don Jordan bring much
experience to the guards; Evans
picks his 215 pounds up and out in
front of the ball carrier, and
Jordon's 240 pounds inspire a less
mobile role at the opposite side. All
ACC last season, Jordan is a
tri-captain for State this fall.

The Wolfpack have some big
veterans at the tackels as well.
Mrin Thorp, acclaimed for his
consistency on blocking assignments,
weighs in at 6-0 and 234
pounds. On the other side Ed
Nicholas plops down his heavy
threads at 6-4 and 240 pounds.

Wayne Lewis and Bob McLean
are both seniors in the end position.
Lewis has used his 6-5 height
advantage grabbing 10 passes (91
yards) thus far on the season.
McLean has four receptions and
resembles a skyscraper at 6-8 and
230 pounds.

State's rushing attack has netted
a formidable 3.6 yards per carry,
and 52 of 72 first downs have been
made on the ground. One quick
insertion here - the Wahoos rank
5th nationally in rushing defense
and total defense at present.

Earle Edwards has three seniors
and one junior in the defensive line.
Bob Follweiler, a two-year letterman,
stands 6-0 and 200 pounds at
one end, while Jerry Miller closes
the outside on the other side at 6-2,
202 pounds.

All-American prospect Ron Carpenter
puts his 6-5, 255-pound hulk
at left tackle. Carpenter, given
much credit for stopping the
Wahoos cold in Raleigh last season,
led the ACC balloting in the
defensive category in 1968. On the
right side is senior Art Hudson.
Hudson at 6-4 and 238 pounds, is a
two-year letterman.

The Wolfpack have intercepted
some seven passes in five games.
Chief aerial thief is right safety Jack
Whitley with two interceptions.
Whitley, 6-0 and 185, serves as punt
returner as well.

Pete Balley and Mike Hilka man
the outside linebacking posts. Hilka
(6-2, 210) and Bailey (5-10 and
190) will be gunning for Messrs.
Helman and Lacey come Saturday.
State is going with soph George
Smith at middle linebacker. Weighing
in at 5-11 and 209 pounds,
Smith was redshirted last year.

The mighty State defense has
used experience and talent to
throttle various offenses. Carolina
netted just 54 yards on the ground,
and the Wolfpack allowed just 2.9
yards a rush. The Cavalier's maturing
offense offers quite a challenge.
Gary Helman currently ranks number
five in the nation in yardage
and 12th in scoring.

Saturday's contest features a
ball-control State offense and a
Wahoo defense that seems to
control the ball quite well, too.
Danny Fassio and Mike Cubbage,
need to find the right key to lock
up the John Deere defense; the
Cavalier offensive line faces a stern
task. Helman, Lacy and Wyncoop
will run, but it's easier if the holes
are there.