Bonesville: The Authoritative Independent Voice of East Carolina

News & Features from ECU, the AAC and Beyond

  • Home
  • News & Features
  • Recruiting
  • Photos
  • Audio
  • Roundup
  • Comments
  • Legacy Archives

• ECU 2023 Football Schedule
• ECU 2022-23 Hoops Schedule
• ECU 2023 Baseball Schedule

— Recruiting Thumbnails —
Football: 2023 • Hoops: 2023-24

Inside Game Day
Quarterback continuity powers Wolfpack

December 2, 2018 By Al Myatt 7 Comments

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

RALEIGH — Ryan Finley finished his career at N.C. State 1-1 against East Carolina, the win coming Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium in dominating fashion, 58-3, as the transfer from Boise State completed 32 of 44 passes for 409 yards and three touchdowns.

Finley threw a rare interception to Daniel Charles late in the first half as showers began to fall on the nonconference rivalry.

The Wolfpack improved to 9-3 with the help of the package that Finley provides in terms of consistency, leadership and talent.

His loss to the Pirates came in his second game for State in 2016, when a final Wolfpack drive came up short in a 33-30 loss in Greenville.

Since then, Finley has provided a generally stable influence for the Wolfpack offense. East Carolina, in contrast, has had a revolving door at the quarterback position.

Story continues after photo…

State’s Ryan Finley was sacked just once on Saturday with Nate Harvey bringing him down in the second quarter. Shaun James (50) is beside the upended Wolfpack quarterback. (Photo by Al Myatt | >>GAME DAY PHOTO GALLERY>>)

Philip Nelson, Gardner Minshew, Thomas Sirk, Reid Herring and Holton Ahlers have all made starts for the Pirates as Finley has been guiding State.

Former Pirate defensive back Kevin Monroe said on the Bonesville Pregame Podcast that Ahlers gave ECU “a 30 percent chance” of a win in Raleigh on Saturday with his run-throw package. But the left-handed true freshman, dinged up in a 56-6 loss at Cincinnati last week, did not put on his pads for the final game of the season.

Herring tried to fill in but was ineffective behind an offensive front decimated by injuries. Herring went out with a shoulder injury in the third quarter. Kingsley Ifedi came in but his only pass resulted in a pick-six for the Wolfpack.

Down to fourth-stringer

Fourth-string walk-on Caiden Norman finished the game at quarterback for ECU. Norman was directing the attack when the Pirates avoided a shutout with a game-ending 46-yard field goal by Jake Verity. The boot was set up by a 53-yard run by Anthony Scott, who scored the winning touchdown against the Pack in 2016.

“Obviously, not a good day,” said defensive coordinator David Blackwell, who served as coach with the dismissal of Scottie Montgomery on Thursday.

Story continues after photo…

East Carolina quarterback Reid Herring throws a backwards pass in the flat to Anthony Scott, who couldn’t make the catch but was able to recover the ball. Scott later provided one of day’s highlights for the Pirates as his 53-yard run in the fourth quarter set up Jake Verity’s 46-yard field goal as time expired, thus avoiding a shutout. (Photo by Al Myatt | >>GAME DAY PHOTO GALLERY>>)

The Pirates were 3-9 for the third straight season since Ruffin McNeil was fired. The teams ECU beat in 2018 (North Carolina, Old Dominion and Connecticut) had similar degrees of inexperience among their quarterbacks.

Out of minus yards

Scott’s late explosion play got the Pirates out of negative numbers in rushing. Herring was eight of 22 for 69 yards with one pick. Norman completed one of two for four yards.

When Finley wasn’t flinging, he was giving the ball to senior back Reggie Gallaspy, who ran for 220 yards and two touchdowns.

State led 32-4 in first downs and 655-104 in total yardage with Ahlers in a spectator’s role. Once again, the Pirates trailed in turnover margin. This time, it was minus-2.

“Defensively, we got wore down,” Blackwell said.

Situation with Ahlers

Ahlers said after the Cincinnati game he expected to play against State. He was dealing with a right knee ailment and a hurt non-throwing hand as he practiced on Wednesday.

“”He was not 100 percent,” Blackwell said. “That’s not who we are. We’re not going to put him out there if he’s not ready to play. Obviously, it impacts you. I thought Reid did some good things. He missed on some throws, but it was obvious he was a little rusty. He hasn’t played a lot. When we lost Reid, it really affected us.

Story continues after photo…

Holton Ahlers was held out of Saturday’s game at N.C. Stste, but fourth-string quarterback Caiden Norman (right) saw some action. (Photo by Al Myatt | >>GAME DAY PHOTO GALLERY>>)

“When you’re down two quarterbacks with the injuries you have on the offensive line, it’s very challenging offensively. It kind of magnified and caught up with us in the second half — our inability to get first downs and keep the defense off the field.”

Scoring streak continues

The Pirates have not been shut out since a 56-0 loss at Syracuse on Oct. 4, 1997. ECU managed to continue the ninth longest scoring streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Verity was given an opportunity in a 4th-and-14 situation to close the game.

“Why not?” Blackwell said. “He’s the best kicker in the country. Why not give him a chance?”

Verity had some history on his side. There has never been a shutout in the series State leads, 17-13. Both programs have four wins this millennium.

Blackwell addresses negativity

Some elements of the fan base had been calling for Montgomery’s ouster and seemed pleased to see him go. Blackwell, an ECU alumnus, shared his thoughts on general negativity toward the program.

“I challenge our fans and fan base to get behind whoever the next coach is,” Blackwell said. “Get behind the program and get in the stands. Let’s be proud of our university because it’s our university. It’s my university. When I was at Clemson, after every game, the first thing I did was see how East Carolina did. When I was at Pitt, the first thing I did was see how East Carolina did.

Story continues after photo…

NCSU’s Reggie Gallaspy ran for 220 yards and two touchdowns but was stopped by Devon Sutton on this play. (Photo by Al Myatt | >>GAME DAY PHOTO GALLERY>>)

‘It’s my university for the rest of my life, good and bad, and it always will be. The one thing that I will always be is a Pirate. I care about this university. Our fans and our people, we’ve got to lose some of the negativity around our university. … We’ve got to come back together as a fan base.”

McGhin shares feelings

Senior captains Garrett McGhin, an offensive lineman, and Cannon Gibbs, a linebacker, appeared in the postgame interview session following Blackwell.

McGhin voiced optimism about the future of the program despite the dire circumstances of the present.

“There is a light at the (end of the) tunnel,” McGhin said. “There’s guys who are doing the right thing on and off the field. There’s good character guys in that room. There’s no doubt in my mind that ECU will be back up to the standard which we hold for ourselves.”

McGhin characterized the disappointment of his final season at ECU.

“Imagine taking everything you worked for and somebody just ripping it out of your chest and throwing it on the ground,” McGhin said. “It almost makes you feel like you don’t even matter. It’s been one of the hardest things to ever go through. I pray that nobody in that locker room ever has to go out the same way that I did.

“I just want this university to get back to where its standard is because it’s done so much for me and it’s been a blessing to me. I’m truly thankful to be able to be a Pirate.”

Story continues after photo…

Reid Herring throws a third down pass that was dropped as senior captain Garrett McGhin (55) protects. (Photo by Al Myatt | >>GAME DAY PHOTO GALLERY>>)

Return to Raleigh imminent

ECU will open the 2019 season against State at Carter-Finley Stadium.

“No knock on anybody, but we’re out there with our fourth-string quarterback,” Gibbs said. “That’s tough. … We’ve got another opportunity, the young guys, to come back up and change it. … It was awful. It’s not the standard here at ECU.”

The Pirates had won their last three matchups against State. This year’s game was an addition to the schedule after both teams missed games on Sept. 15 due to Hurricane Florence.

“I’m definitely excited to see those guys compete, fresh, no injuries hopefully,” Gibbs said. “Be able to compete and get some revenge.”

QUARTERBACK CONTINUITY POWERS PACK
AUDIO: DAVID BLACKWELL POSTGAME…
VIEW GAME DAY PHOTO GALLERY…
AUDIO: “BONESVILLE PREGAME PODCAST…”
UNEXPECTED MANDATE FALLS ON DAVID BLACKWELL
SHAKEUP BEGINS FOR ECU FOOTBALL
NO OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENTS ON THE AD HIRING FRONT
MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS
STATUS QUO ISN’T WORKING FOR ECU’S FLAGSHIP PROGRAM
VIEW ECU’S 2018 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Related

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

Filed Under: News & Features

Comments

  1. s says

    December 2, 2018 at 6:51 am

    ECU’s administration provided the fuel for the dumpster-fire that Compher lit on the way to the bank to pick up his $1.2 mil check. Scottie can also buy a lot of marshmallows to roast with his $800K. I wonder where old Staton is at with his $500 million dollar campaign? Apparently not far enough not to pass on the balance of his incompetence to the students. I hope that the business school is utilizing this administrations exploits as a teaching tool of what not to do. It seems that my Alma Mater has strayed from its roots by hiring outsiders who know little of the schools history or the demographics of the population it serves. I think of Coach Jerry Moore, after being asked about the prospect of App St. moving up to D1a , who said something like, “Bigger is not better. ‘Better’ is better.” In my opinion, our problems on the football field go way beyond athletics and after this humbling experience, I hope we can all get some perspective and focus back to our motto of service and get ‘better’.

    Reply
    • s says

      December 2, 2018 at 7:03 am

      Also, I wonder if we could sell “the house that Cecil built” after he pulls the ripcord on his golden parachute? We could use the profits to pay off some of debt he created. And perhaps next time, we could find someone to run the University who won’t be embarrassed to live in that lovely house on 5th street.

      Reply
  2. Kirk Edgerton says

    December 2, 2018 at 12:29 pm

    If you go back to Ruffin’s last year, we’ve had eight QB’s since Shane Carden graduated in 2014. Add Blake Kemp, James Summers, and even though he never made a start for us, Kurt Benkert, who transferred to UVa, when Scottie decided to go with Nelson after his first spring practice. That’s nine in the mix since Shane. You can’t win if you don’t have consistency at the QB position. I hope our next coach builds his team and offensive philosophy around Ahlers abilities. Go Pirates, Kirk Edgerton

    Reply
    • Irish Spectre says

      December 2, 2018 at 12:56 pm

      ECU is fortunate that Holton Ahlers is a homeboy; otherwise, he too would probably be a fight risk, and who could blame him? Hopefully Verity stays, and hopefully they get another year of eligibility for Harvey.

      Speaking of Ahlers’ future, whoever’s the next guy sure as hell first and foremost better be thinking about that OL; mercy, what a travesty, though I know injuries had a lot to do with it. …and the secondary, too, speaking of dumpster fires.

      …but after all, and above all, I have to hand it to Garrett McGhin’s classy statement about the university after three miserable seasons a reminder that adversity doesn’t build character; it defines it.

      Reply
  3. dee tee says

    December 2, 2018 at 1:54 pm

    Ahlers would have been great at NCSU. It would have been a perfect opportunity for him to be developed properly around players of his ilk with solid coaching. He would definitely have had a redshirt year and would likely start next year. I am glad he chose ECU for selfish reasons, but under our current circumstances, If I were his father, I would have encouraged a different choice. When I saw him on the sidelines yesterday, I could not help but wonder if anything like that flashed through his mind.

    Reply
    • lperson says

      December 2, 2018 at 2:41 pm

      Do keep in mind that Dave Doeren has not started a quarterback that he recruited as a freshman during his entire tenure at NCSU. All have transferred in as upperclassmen, including the quarterback that is currently projected as starter for next year. NCSU has also had several OC’s to go with the different quarterbacks, as is with the current OC-quarterback package that both came from the same school, and results have been mixed. We may be able to question if NCSU can actually “develop” a quarterback, but there is no question that the programs are currently moving in opposite directions. Supportive AD, no AD. Coach that made it through the struggle, coach fired during the struggle. Fans at cold rainy game, few fans on a warm sunny day! We can change direction by starting with getting rid of this wasteful rebranding effort to be called ECU. We are already known as ECU, but be proud, and supportive of East Carolina University!

      Reply
  4. Dan says

    December 2, 2018 at 6:33 pm

    If the articles are true we now have a “Real Deal” Coach in Houston. Also we have an AD that Dave Hart has a deep relationship with and I’m sure approved of the Houston hire in his talks with Hart. Things in one day have gone from murky to much clearer. Which is very exciting. I know there is much work to do but I think this is the type of hire and day that we could look back on as a game changer. Ahlers is our future and will now get the attention and development he deserves. I truly believe we have better players than we think. Also think the recruits we have will recognize this as a great hire for the University and for them. It’s a good day to be a Pirate after a three year funk.
    GO PIRATES!!!!!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News & Features

Baseball News
Throng sees Pirates claim series over GMU

Baseball News
Pirates take opener with Patriots

VIEW FROM THE EAST
Spring reps revealing

Baseball News
Camels top ECU, 2-1

THE SPORTS OBJECTIVE: ABSOLUTE EMPOWERMENT
Jeff Connors with Vonta Leach

ECU Recruiting News
Class of 2024 starts with prized receiver

Baseball News
ECU completes sweep

Baseball News
Pirates take series with walkoff win

Baseball News
Godwin passes Godwin

VIEW FROM THE EAST
Pirates have work to do

More News & Features

ECU Schedules

  • ECU 2021 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2020-21 Basketball Schedule
  • ECU 2021 Baseball Schedule

ECU Recruiting

  • Football Recruiting Class of 2021
  • Football Recruiting Class of 2020
  • Football Recruiting Class of 2019
  • Football Recruiting Class of 2018
  • Football Recruiting Class of 2017
  • Hoops Recruiting Class of 2021-22
  • Hoops Recruiting Class of 2020-21
  • Hoops Recruiting Class of 2019-20
  • Hoops Recruiting Class of 2018-19
  • Hoops Recruiting Class of 2017-18
  • Hoops Recruiting Class of 2016-17

Past Football Schedules

  • ECU 2020 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2019 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2018 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2017 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2016 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2015 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2014 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2013 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2012 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2011 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2010 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2009 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2008 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2007 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2006 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2005 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2004 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2003 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2002 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2001 Football Schedule
  • ECU 2000 Football Schedule
  • Historical Schedules

Past Basketball Schedules

  • ECU 2019-20 Basketball Schedule
  • ECU 2018-19 Basketball Schedule
  • ECU 2017-18 Basketball Schedule
  • ECU 2016-17 Basketball Schedule
  • ECU 2000-2015 Basketball Archives

Past Baseball Schedules

  • ECU 2020 Baseball Schedule
  • ECU 2019 Baseball Schedule
  • ECU 2018 Baseball Schedule
  • ECU 2017 Baseball Schedule
  • ECU 2016 Baseball Schedule
  • ECU 2015 Baseball Schedule
  • ECU 2001-2014 Baseball Archives

Recruiting Class Profiles

ECU Recruiting News
Class of 2024 starts with prized receiver

ECU Recruiting News
Late pitch lures lineman with pedigree

Recruiting Evaluation Part 2: Defense
Report card: Quality talent fills big holes

Recruiting Evaluation Part 1: Offense
Report card: Pirates reload at skill spots

ECU Recruiting News
Towering lineman Neolian still honing skills (updated)

ECU Recruiting News
More help is on the way to ECU secondary

ECU Recruiting News
Portal delivers blue chipper RaRa Dillworth

Class of 2023 Early Signing Review (UPDATED)
Pirates tap transfer portal for more talent

AAC Early Signing Review
New members dive into AAC recruiting wars

Class of 2023 Early Signing Review
First wave of recruits just the beginning

ECU Recruiting News
Brown finds way to ECU through portal

ECU Recruiting News
Transfer safety McDaniel destined for ECU

ECU Recruiting News
Pirates land coveted Spartanburg quarterback

ECU Recruiting News
Swift ECU recruit ‘in a class of his own’

ECU Recruiting News
Pirates win out for Georgia prep linebacker

ECU Recruiting News
Linebacker with pedigree charts path to ECU

ECU Recruiting News
Pirates find a gem in Palmetto State receiver

ECU Recruiting News
Official visit swayed North Mecklenburg star

ECU Recruiting News
Physical Georgia receiver poses tough matchup

ECU Recruiting News
Pirates project lineman Durant as center

ECU Recruiting News
ECU spotted potential in Conley lineman

ECU Recruiting News
ECU lands fleet-footed Georgia defensive back

ECU Recruiting News
‘Football town’ helps draw Short to Pirates

ECU Recruiting News
ECU targets edge rushers

ECU Recruiting News
Pirates aim high for interior line talent

Recent Web Roundups

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Saturday, March 25, 2023

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Friday, March 24, 2023

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Thursday, March 23, 2023

Writer Archives

  • Bonesville Staff
  • Brian Bailey
  • Sammy Batten
  • Bethany Bradsher
  • Brett Friedlander
  • Al Myatt
  • NFF
  • Greg Vacek
  • Danny Whitford

Recent Web Roundups

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Saturday, March 25, 2023

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Friday, March 24, 2023

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Thursday, March 23, 2023

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Monday, March 20, 2023

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Sunday, March 19, 2023

GREG VACEK'S WEB ROUNDUP
Saturday, March 18, 2023

More Web Roundups

Copyright © 2023 Bonesville.net · Website by Seaport Webworks. · Log in · Privacy Policy