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UNC Squeak by NC State
Saturday, September 20th, 2008
Raleigh, NC — The North Carolina Tarheeels got their 2008/09 season started with a 12-8 victory against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in Raleigh.
Kicking off on the perfect playing surface of the Intra-mural field at NC State, the Tarheels got off to a flying start when fullback Jason Schwartz got the ball in space and went under the posts within the first 10 minutes. The conversion was taken by Gregor MacLennan.
The Wolfpack got on the board with a penalty before the Tarheels stretched their lead when Justin Epifanio went over in the corner after a sweeping move which had both backs and forwards involved for a great try.
Although the Tarheels looked in control, some poor decision making restricted them to a 12-3 lead at half-time.
Full credit must be given to a fit NC State team that kept play tight and had the Tarheel defense tested on several occasions through their very physical and robust forwards. The Tarheels kept them at bay until NC State finally broke through and scored wide out, the conversion attempt was missed.
The final minutes of the game saw the Wolfpack get very close to winning the game with 2 attempts to drive over from close range but on both occasions the Tarheel defense came out on top, getting underneath the ball to prevent the try.
So UNC get off to a winning start with a very young team; 9 of the first team were either Freshmen or Sophomore's. But if they are to be competitive in the D1 league in the spring and win North Carolina State Tournament later this fall, then they will have play a lot better in the weeks ahead.
Next week, the Tarheels travel west to play Wake Forest who will be looking to take a D1 sides scalp.
UNC Lineup: Paterno, Epifanio, Raczkowski, Mohar, Stokes, Martin, Lee, Chesson, Prisk, MacLennan, Spittler, Chin, Claunch, Rose, Schwartz. Subs: Yates, Rierson, Webber
Man of the Match:
Tries: Schwartz, Epifanio
Conversions: MacLennan
Penalties:
Drop Goals:
Reported by
Modified Sep 28, 2008. 01:09 pm