Wake Continues to Struggle, Blanked by Wolfpack

Leroy Walker Photo

Despite controlling possession and territory for much of the game, Wake Forest was dominated on the scoreboard on Saturday by North Carolina State, falling 37-0. NC State capitalized on seemingly every Wake Forest miscue, the disciplined, athletic Wolpack side twice scoring long-range tries against the run of play in the first half and going into the break up 20-0. For its part, Wake Forest put together some good phases of play, but repeatedly failed to finish off movements. Assistant Head Coach Alex Lucas commented after the match, "despite the lopsided score, we actually played some decent rugby today. But NC State was solid in every single phase of the game and had the killer instinct to stike every time we gave them the slightest opening."

While mathematically still in playoff contention, Wake Forest, now 1-3, faces a hugely uphill battle if it wants to see the postseason. The Demon Deacons play a must win game at East Carolina on Thursday night in Greenville, NC. The Pirates are 0-2 in Carolinas Rugby League play, but have beaten Wake Forest in the teams' last six meetings.

Wake Lineup vs NC State

1. Nick Conte, So.

2. Justen Robinett, So. (Ty Pierce, Fr. @ 60)

3. Ken Forte, Sr. (Devin Henry, Jr. @ 40)

4. Ross Hilton, Sr.

5. Christian Jewett, Sr.

6. Mike Duffy, Sr. (Jeff Millar, So. @ 55)

7. Trent Justice, Sr.

8. Hunter Lostan, Jr.

9. Will Hank, So.

10. Brendan Shea, So.

11. Tyler Vanston, So.

12. David Sage, Sr.

13. Perry Salvagne, Sr.

14. Rob Kelly, Fr.

15. Johnny McMurray, Fr. (Kip Lewis, So. @ 15)

Following the match, Wake Forest and NC State played a 60 minute scrimmage to give each team's reserves some much needed rugby action. Wake was fortunate to have a number of alums and coaches join them to fill out their side, and won the scrimmage 24-10.

Wake Lineup vs NC State Reserves

1. Matt Layden, So. (Ken Forte, Sr. @ 30)

2. Chris Ryan, So.

3. Hien Nguyen, '07

4. Greg Wagner, '07

5. Clay Robinson, Jr.

6. Sal Scifo, Fr.

7. Matt Gottbrecht, '09 (Brad Havins @ 45)

8. Jeff Millar, So. (Dave Poplaski, '09 @ 30)

9. Will Hank, So. (Drew Mehrmann, Fr. @ 30)

10. Patrick Kane

11. Rob Kelly, Fr.

12. Matt Tucker, Fr.

13. Kip Lewis, So.

14. Barrett Corrigan, Fr.

15. Gabe Huertas del Pino, Sr.