The ECU-Davidson gameday program graphically forecast a David and Goliath contest between a giant, sword-wielding Pirate and a frightened, trembling Wildcat. Prophesy of “a surprise ending” prompted the terrified Wildcat to drop its stones, reeling in fear. What’s most surprising, however, is that defeating Davidson would have ever required a surprise ending, given that the small college (enrollment, 1,000) was facing a university with a student body ten times larger. Adding to Pirate pregame swagger was the word “HOMECOMING” inscribed on the sword, reminding everyone of another dimension of Buccaneer gridiron advantage. Reportedly, 15,337 fans came to witness the “surprise” unfold. As things turned out, a surprise ending occurred, but hardly the one that Pirate fans wanted to see.
The Pirates were on a roll, having won their last two contests. And they had a tradition to continue: two years earlier, they defeated Davidson, 40-7, and then the following year, they prevailed again, 42-27. But going into the 1969 matchup, the Wildcats were just one conference victory away from their first ever Southern Conference championship and a guaranteed trip to Orlando for the Tangerine Bowl. Davidson was astounding all with victory after victory, resulting in a 4-1 conference record and 6-1 overall going into Ficklen Stadium.
Still, the Pirates hoped to spoil things much as they had the year before with a victory over the Citadel ending the Tigers’ championship bid. Spoiling Davidson’s hopes meant stopping Wildcat quarterback Gordon Slade, one of the nation’s leading passers, and his main receivers, three of the top four receivers in the Southern Conference. The Pirates also had to outsmart Davidson’s defense, then ranked 20th in the nation. Some believed Billy Wightman and Butch Colson, leading Pirate rushers, and head coach Clarence Stasavich’s single-wing offense made ECU ready for the challenge. Skeptics, however, thought an upset over the Wildcats was a tall order.
The first half made the upset look like a done deal. Davidson was ineffective containing the single wing offense, allowing the Pirates 269 rushing yards, mostly by tailback Wightman (245 yards), and a 27-0 Pirate lead. The Wildcats only scored their first touchdown in the final minutes of the half. But, overly confident, the Pirates surrendered the second half to Davidson. Seizing the opportunity, the Wildcats quickly scored 35 points, adding to their tally the first six times they got the ball in the second half, shocking everyone with an incredible comeback that nearly doubled the Pirates’ earlier margin. Wildcat quarterback Gordon Slade stole the show, racking up a record-breaking performance by completing 20 out of 28 attempts for 234 yards and five touchdowns. The comeback victory assured Davidson of the Southern Conference championship and a post-season trip to Florida for the Tangerine Bowl.
In the end, 1969 was the Pirates’ worst year in a decade: the team ended 2-7 overall, and 1-3 in conference play. As things turned out, legendary coach, Clarence Stasavich, resigned shortly after, devoting his energies to full-time service as ECU athletic director. For Davidson, 1969 was exceptional: never before had the Wildcats won a championship, and never before had they played in a bowl game. The Wildcat victory over the Pirates taught a hard-learned lesson: early leads, no matter how large, should never prompt premature presumptions about final scores.
Sources
- Alexander, Ken. “Favored Over ECU: Cats Seek Title Top Mark and Birth.” Gastonia Gazette. November 7, 1969. P. 9.
- “Cats Seek Record Eight-Win Season.” Gastonia Gazette. November 14, 1969. P. 21.
- “Davidson At ECU: Game No. 603 – It’s The Most Important.” Daily Times-News (Burlington, N.C.). November 7, 1969. P. 15.
- “Davidson’s Big Turnabout: ‘Cat Defense Made Pact.” Gastonia Gazette. November 10, 1969. P. 5.
- “East Carolina Blocking Road To Title For ‘Cats.” High Point Enterprise. November 3, 1969. P. 16.
- “East Carolina vs. Davidson.” Nov. 08 1969. University Archives # UA40.01.02.12.03. J. Y. Joyner Library. East Carolina University. Greenville, N.C. https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/27637
- Lea, Sonny. “Bucs lose to Richmond but play good first half.” Fountainhead. Vol. 1, no. 19. November 13, 1969. P. 8. https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/39443
- “That’s Tangerines The Wildcats Smell.” Gastonia Gazette. November 7, 1969. P. 20.
- “Wightman rushes 245 yards, sets new single game record.” Fountainhead. Vol. 1, no. 19. November 13, 1969. P. 8. https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/39443