Raleigh, NC – The annual Wolfpack spring game saw NC State football return to action on Saturday, with the red team taking home a 51-7 victory over the white team from Carter-Finely Stadium.
photo by Gene Galin
NC State Spring Football Game Photo Gallery
The red team dominated the first half and scored on every possession in the first 30 minutes. The new faces found the end zone first, as Justin Joly and Grayson McCall connected for the first time with a three-yard touchdown pass.
The only score of the game for team white evened the score at 7-7 after a three-yard touchdown run from freshman Jayden “Duke” Scott.
McCall, behind center, was efficient, going 16-20 for 205 yards. Behind McCall were Lex Thomas and CJ Bailey, who combined for 492 yards through the air. Bailey also had a big day on the ground, with four rushes for 72 yards.
In his first game at Carter-Finley, Noah Rogers finished with seven catches and 133 yards.
On the ground, Jordan Waters and Hollywood Smothers introduced themselves to Wolfpack fans. Waters ran for 69 yards and a touchdown, and Smothers went for 75 yards on the ground to lead the red team on the afternoon.
The Wolfpack special teams also made an impact. Kanoah Vinesett had three field goals, including a 50-yard boot, to help the red team towards victory. Caden Noonkester averaged 56.33 yards per punt, including 60, 59, and 50 yards.
The game was capped off with Wesley Grimes taking a pass from Thomas 90 yards to the end zone to make it 51 on the day for the red team.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Caden Fordham totaled five tackles, and linebacker Kamal Bonner had six tackles, including a tackle for a loss and a pass breakup.
With spring practice over, NC State will shift its focus to the regular season. The Wolfpack will face Western Carolina in its season opener on Aug. 29 from Raleigh.