Wake Forest Athletics
Witness History - Game 1
7/27/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 27, 2011
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - After several weeks of voting, Wake Forest's seven most historic home wins have been selected. The first game of the Witness History series selected by the fans was the North Carolina vs. Wake Forest on October 24, 1970.
The Demon Deacons entered this contest with a three-game winning streak and looked to continue their success to keep their ACC Championship hopes alive. With less than three minutes remaining in the game, the Deacons trailed the Tar Heels, 13-7. The Deacs had possession of the ball but were backed into their own end zone with 92 yards separating them from victory.
The excitement of the last possession began with a third-and-12 situation. Quarterback Larry Russell connected with Steve Bowden on a 13-yard pass for a first down at the Wake Forest 19.
Two plays later, Larry Hopkins picked up 39 crucial yards to put the Deacs on the North Carolina 38 with one minute and 40 seconds remaining. The next couple of plays, Russell escaped the Tar Heel rush to complete two 11-yard passes, the first to Gary Winrow and the second to Gary Johnson.
With the crowd in a frenzy of exhilaration, Hopkins picked up two yards. On the next snap, with 39 seconds remaining, Russell faded in the pocket to pass and fumbled the ball. He managed to not only regain possession but also gained two yards.
As the clock wound down to 12 seconds, the ball was given to Hopkins who went towards the right side. For an instant, he appeared to have been stopped, but he was able to force his body into the North Carolina end zone to tie the game at 13-13.
Winston-Salem native Tracy Lounsbury provided the winning point by kicking his 14th consecutive extra point of the 1970 season.
For the first time since 1967, the Deacs had a four-game winning streak intact.
To Witness History this fall at BB&T Field, purchase your season tickets by calling the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 888-758-DEAC (3322) or clicking here to order online.
