Wake Forest Athletics
Witness History - Game 2
8/8/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 8, 2011
Witness History: Game 1
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Continuing the Witness History series, game two selected by the fans is the Nov. 14, 1970, matchup between NC State and Wake Forest. This 16-13 victory by the Demon Deacons propelled the team to the first ACC Championship in the history of Wake Forest football.
The Wake Forest defense was the key in this victory. In the first half, NC State had several chances to take complete control of the game but came up short. The Deacon defense made State resort to field goal attempts, and the Wolfpack only converted one of three tries. Wake Forest was able to rally late in second quarter, to tie the score at 3-3 for halftime.
As the third quarter began, State held the opening possession for more than six minutes before settling for a 27-yard field goal. The Deacs held off the Wolfpack again behind big plays from Ed Stetz. NC State regained possession and when they were pushed to punt, Stentz came up with a big block which Pat McHenry recovered in the end zone to give the Deacons their first lead of the day with a 10-6 score.
The Wolfpack regained the lead early in the fourth quarter and had another chance to score after a Wake Forest fumble at its own 29. State advanced to the 10 and rather than attempt another field goal and a 16-10 lead, they opted for the touchdown. Yet again, Stetz was there to break up the play.
The outcome of this game seemed grim because the Wolfpack had kept control of the ball throughout the second half. The Deacons defense held State and forced a punt which ended up being a blooper with a Wake Forest roll. The Deacs took possession of the ball with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter at the WFU 42.
After Larry Russell and Larry Hopkins gained yardage and a 15-yard roughness penalty was called, the Deacs had the ball at NC State's 10 with a first down. A busted play that would normally result in disaster led the Deacs to the big win.
Quarterback Larry Russell started a run-pass option to the left side but NC State was there to stop Russell. Russell found Ken Garrett on the six yard line and flipped him the ball. Garrett was able to twist into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.
Following the game, Russell joked that "we practiced that play all week" when asked about the busted play that gave the Deacs the win. Coach Cal Stoll awarded the game ball to Ed Stetz who ended the contest with 16 tackles, 11 assists and one game changing blocked punt.
Stetz knew after the Wolfpack regained the lead at 6-3 and used almost seven minutes of the third quarter that a big play was needed.
"There are three big emotional plays in football, plays that give one team a lift and let the air out of the other one. One is an interception for a touchdown. Another is a kickoff or punt return for a touchdown and the third is a blocked kick. The blocked kick is ordinarily the most traumatic," said Stetz.
This proved to be true for the Deacs.
This was the Demon Deacons' sixth victory in its last seven games, the most victories since 1959. This victory gave Wake Forest a temporary hold on first place in the ACC and eventually was the key win to the 1970 ACC Championship.
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.
