The Pirates take the field in Kenan Stadium wearing all black against in-state foe North Carolina. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

Justin Hardy celebrates after making a touchdown reception on East Carolina's opening drive. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

Lance Ray takes North Carolina defensive back Dominique Green with him to the end zone in the first quarter. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

Justin Hardy (2) and Shane Carden do the high-bump after the first of Carden's three rushing touchdowns. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

Derrell Johnson sacks North Carolina quarterback Bryn Renner in the second quarter. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

ECU coach Ruffin McNeill gives a fist pump after his defense held on the Tar Heel goal line, forcing a field goal. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

Shane Carden gives the Tar Heel student section a look after his second rushing touchdown. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

Chris Hairston emerges from a group of North Carolina defenders to extend East Carolina's lead to 35-10. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

ECU fans raise the No Quarter flag heading into the final period of play. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

Shane Carden goes up and over North Carolina defensive back Malik Simmons for a touchdown. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

A lot of aluminum was visible in Kenan Stadium in the waning moments of ECU's 55-31 rout of the Tar Heels. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

ECU athletic director Jeff Compher congratulates Vintavious Cooper after the game. The senior running back rushed for 186 yards. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

Chancellor Steve Ballard and Coach Ruffin McNeill embrace after ECU's dominating triumph over the Tar Heels on their home turf. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

Coach Ruffin McNeill with the game ball in hand salutes the East Carolina fans. Photo by W.A. Myatt.

Shane Carden helps conduct the ECU band in playing the alma mater after the win. Carden ran for 3 TDs and passed for 3 more. Photo by W.A. Myatt.