Quarterback Holton Ahlers, an early enrollee from nearby D.H. Conley, receives the Top Offensive Newcomer award from coach Scottie Montgomery at halftime of the Purple-Gold game. In the background are Daren Hart (left) and Jim Bolding. Hart was honorary coach for the Gold and Bolding was honorary coach of the Purple. Both were standouts in the secondary for East Carolina. (Photo by Al Myatt)

Holton Ahlers keeps the ball after a play fake to Hussein Howe of the Purple. (Photo by Al Myatt)

Hussein Howe carries the ball for the Purple with sophomore defensive end Chandon Hickerson (59) in pursuit for the Gold. (Photo by Al Myatt)

Jake Verity punts for the Gold team, which won Saturday’s spring game at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, 21-14. (Photo by Al Myatt)

Redshirt freshman quarterback Kingsley Ifedi had a 2-yard touchdown keeper in the third quarter for the Purple to tie the score at 14. (Photo by Al Myatt)

Former defensive back Keyshawn Canady, who has moved to running back, hauls in a pass with one hand for the Gold on Saturday. (Photo by Al Myatt)

ECU coach Scottie Montgomery has a laugh with the line judge on Saturday during the Purple-Gold game. (Photo by Al Myatt)

A crane towers over the South stands where the old press box has been removed. The South side is in the midst of a $60 million renovation, which is scheduled for completion by the 2019 season. (Photo by Al Myatt)

Redshirt freshman Trace Christian carried for all three of the Gold’s touchdowns, including the game-winning 22-yard run late in the fourth quarter. (Photo by Al Myatt)

East Carolina chancellor, Dr. Cecil Staton (left), was on the sideline for a portion of the afternoon on Saturday. (Photo by Al Myatt)