LOUISBURG – In the heart of Franklin County, North Carolina, the state's only junior college football program is making waves. The Louisburg College Hurricanes, under the leadership of Head Coach Quinderra Spellman, have stormed through their 2024 season with an impressive 8-2 record, potentially setting themselves up for a shot at the national championship.

The Hurricanes' journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable, powered by a dynamic offense that consistently found ways to move the chains. Quarterback Dylan Trevillian emerged as the team's offensive catalyst, completing 60.1% of his passes for 1,892 yards and 18 touchdowns. His ability to distribute the ball effectively showed in the receiving corps, where four different players recorded over 200 receiving yards, led by Jeffrey McDonald's 343 yards on just 18 catches.

But what truly set Louisburg apart was their balanced attack. While Trevillian controlled the air, a committee of running backs dominated the ground game. The Hurricanes showcased their depth with six different players rushing for over 100 yards on the season. Mekiaun Davis led the charge with 268 yards, while Evan Garrett proved to be the most efficient, averaging an impressive 7.2 yards per carry.

The season kicked off with a statement win, as the Hurricanes shut out the Georgia Warhawks 30-0. Their only stumbles came against powerhouse programs Lackawanna College and Georgia Military College, but even in defeat, the team showed resilience. Perhaps their most impressive victory came in a shootout against Myrtle Beach Collegiate, where the offense exploded for 66 points and 582 total yards.

Defensively, the Hurricanes were equally impressive, led by Letraskey Pressley's dominant presence. Pressley racked up 11.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss, anchoring a defense that consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks and created turnovers.

Now, as the team eyes a potential national championship berth, Coach Spellman has launched the "Drive to the End Zone" fundraising campaign to support his student-athletes. "I want to do everything possible to help our players reach their full potential, not only as student-athletes but as young men," says Spellman. The campaign includes a creative incentive: donors who contribute $50 or more will be entered into a drawing for a five-night stay at a beach home in Oak Island, NC.

For this small college in eastern North Carolina, the 2024 season has been about more than just wins and losses. It's been about building a program that develops young talent, creates opportunities, and brings the community together. As the Hurricanes await word on their postseason fate, one thing is certain: football at Louisburg College is on the rise, and the future looks brighter than ever.

Click here to donate to the Drive to the End Zone fundraiser and help Louisburg reach its big dreams.

RALEIGH – In an intense college football matchup, the North Carolina State Wolfpack claimed a hard-earned victory against the Miami Hurricanes in front of a raucous crowd at Carter-Finley Stadium. In a game that showcased impressive defensive performances from both sides, NC State ultimately emerged as the victors with a final score of 20-6.

First Quarter: A Kicking Start

The game kicked off with both teams demonstrating their defensive prowess. Miami started with a promising 12-play drive but was only able to secure a field goal, courtesy of a 48-yard kick by Andres Borregales. However, NC State quickly responded with a touchdown as Jordan Poole caught a 12-yard pass from MJ Morris, followed by Brayden Narveson's successful extra point. The first quarter ended with NC State leading 7-3.

Second Quarter: Field Goals and Defensive Duels

In the second quarter, both teams relied on their kickers to add points to the scoreboard. Borregales, Miami's kicker, added another 27-yard field goal. On the other side, Brayden Narveson of NC State nailed a 39-yard field goal, bringing the score to 10-6 in favor of the Wolfpack.

NC State's Dominant Defense

The second half of the game saw NC State's defense take control. Kendrick Raphael's 31-yard run for a touchdown in the fourth quarter extended the lead to 17-6. With Miami unable to mount a successful comeback, Narveson added a 19-yard field goal to secure NC State's victory with a final score of 20-6.

Defensive Standouts

NC State's defense was instrumental in securing the win. Players like Payton Wilson, Jaylon Scott, and Devan Boykin led the charge with multiple tackles and key plays. Wilson and Boykin each recorded interceptions, further thwarting Miami's offensive efforts.

Key Statistics
-Miami managed 19 first downs compared to NC State's 12.
-The rushing game was evenly matched, with Miami gaining 119 yards and NC State gaining 108.
-Passing yards favored Miami with 173 to NC State's 123, but NC State's touchdown pass made the difference.
-The total offensive yards were 292 for Miami and 231 for NC State.
-Miami struggled on third-down conversions, going 4 of 15, while NC State was 3 of 11.
-Both teams were successful in the red zone, with Miami scoring once out of three chances and NC State capitalizing on all three of theirs.
-The game featured some remarkable defensive plays, with NC State's defense recording three interceptions and three sacks.

Next Week

NC State travels to Winston-Salem to take on Wake Forest in a 2 p.m. game set for the CW Network.

What the Coaches are Saying

“We’re looking forward to this week. We’ve got an undefeated Miami team that’s rolling in here playing with a lot of confidence. Mark [Richt] has done a great job getting this team prepared week in and week out. I think they’re one of the top teams in the country in turnover margin. So, they’re taking care of the football, and they’re creating takeaways on defense, and so we’ve got to do a great job of taking care of the football ourselves”

"There’s no doubt we can get better. I can only hope we keep getting better. I don't know what the right time is to peak, but if we can keep getting better, that would be really good for us. And we all know we can get better.”

Game Info