University of Virginia Library

Selfridge Praised

Wahoo Coach Don Lawrence got
to give away his second game ball
and, much as it was the first time,
his choice was clear cut. Singling
out the defense as the main reason
for the victory he presented the
pigskin to tackle Andy Selfridge.
Big Set, the defensive captain, was,
in Lawrence's words, "all over the
field" and deserved his honor.

Final team totals showed State
with the edge in what was a very
even game from the outset. The
Wolfpack led in first downs, 16-14,
total offense, 345 yards to 276,
and, for a change, in turnovers,
chipping three interceptions and a
fumble to the Cavs' two fumbles
and one misplaced aerial. Many
potential interceptions were
dropped by members of both
defenses.

In the battle of sophomore
running stars State's Burden edged
Merritt in total yards, 108 to 97,
but since he carried the ball ten
fewer times, Merritt had a big
margin in yards per carry, averaging
4.6 yards on all rushes to Burden's
more prosaic 3.5. "Our kids are
paying the price of hard work and
dedication" concluded a victorious
Coach Lawrence afterward and,
although the game at times
resembled a match between two
senile prizefighters, the gist of his
remarks was borne out on the
playing field.