Fast offense, defensive response showcase ECU football team's strengths at Purple-Gold Spring Game

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - The annual purple and gold spring game was our first real look at this new offense ECU has and it is as advertised. Fast and furious and able to find the end zone right away.

“It has always been a big thing just to come out fast and start fast,” says ECU quarterback Jake Garcia, “Setting the tone because as an offense we can’t come out and let someone hit us first cause then you are playing from behind. You want to be playing aggressive and smart and everyone pulling their 1/11th and whatnot. I think it was a really good way to start the day is coming out hot like that.”

Jake Garcia did set the tone to Brock Spaulding and then Katin Houser immediately answered the bell on the next drive finding NC State transfer Anthony Smith for the touchdown.

“It’s kind of a testament to our the amount of work we have put in. Our offense and the motto of our offense is working fast and moving fast,” says ECU quarterback Katin Houser, “So being able to go out on the first few drives and score really quick is what we have been doing the entire spring. To be able to showcase it in front of the fans it was a good time.”

Big plays, finding the end zone, and super high tempo this is the new Pirate football.

“They’ve had a great spring and today was the perfect combination,” says ECU Head Football Coach Mike Houston, “I have been watching it on a daily basis from our offense, excited our fan base got to see it. What a great day.”

But as Coach Houston has said all spring when one side punches the other side of the ball punches back.

“When our offense is in rhythm they are very dangerous,” says ECU defensive lineman Elijah Morris, “We had to settle back in and kind of throw them off track with different blitzes and coverages.”

The defense controlled the second half with interceptions.

“I do think the defense got a little bit of help from some young and inexperienced offensive players that gave them a few things but that is ok,” says Coach Houston, “You take advantage of mistakes people make.”

The defense will take no prisoners, like the motto. Kamaurri McKinley sealed up the game for the Purple with a pick-six in the fourth quarter.

“I like it because it showed both sides no matter what group you was in could battle,” says ECU defensive lineman D’Anta Johnson, “We locked in and we was being us. Hardnosed and physical, fast and running to the ball. Execute more that is all that was”.

A solid crowd watched as the Purple beat the Gold 23-14. The support after last fall means a lot to the Pirates.

“Biggest crowd we have had at a spring game easily since I have been here,” says Coach Houston, “I don’t know when the last time we had one like that.”

“It means a lot and it shows how much the love and dedication how deep it goes with this fan base,” says Morris.

“Big crowd today that really made me excited about this fall,” says Johnson.

The ECU football opener is at home this year. They play Norfolk State on Saturday, August 31st.