Wake Forest High School football posts big opening-night win over Southern Durham

Trentini Stadium guests — including the Southern Durham football team — saw a lot of red as Wake Forest prevailed 26-8 in Friday’s season-opening game in the Cougars’ newly renovated, historic home venue.

“More importantly, the ‘ones’ (first team) didn’t give up a score,” Wake Forest coach Reggie Lucas said. “I think that’s something we can continue to build on. The offense is going to get better and better.”

Wake Forest (1-0) — clad in bright red jerseys and matching pants — had an answer nearly each time the visiting Spartans penetrated the red zone.

Cougars defensive back Tavian Williams secured the first of his two interceptions 1:29 before halftime. Williams picked off a pass by Southern Durham quarterback Jordan McClure and returned the ball to the Cougars’ 8-yard line Williams corralled his second pick with 8:43 remaining in the game.

Wake Forest stopped the Spartans, again on the 8-yard line, and took possession after an unsuccessful fourth down play inside the fourth quarter’s five-minute mark.

Cougars running back Michael DiPasquale, like Williams, tallied his own twofer on offense. DiPasquale’s left end-around, 3-yard touchdown run helped Wake Forest build a 14-0 lead 10:27 before halftime. This score was set up by Deshawn Grant’s first quarter-ending sack of McClure at the 4-yard line.

DiPasquale caught a 5-yard fade pass from Chase Massey for a scoring play that ended in the same end zone’s left corner 7:56 before the break.

“The more games they get under their belt,” Lucas said of the Cougars’ offense, “they’re going to get better and better.”

Wake Forest’s red zone efficiency was befitting its new red uniforms. These deviations from the blue uniforms that defined the Cougars’ three-year state championships run (2016-18) elicit memories of Lucas’ days as the program’s quarterback. Lucas played under Wake Forest-Rolesville coaches Rock Harrison and Ron Hales.

Nigel Lucas accounted for Wake Forest’s first touchdown. Evan Helfrich, the Cougars’ sophomore kicker, booted a 45-yard field goal in the third quarter’s waning seconds. These points followed Wake Forest’s defensive swarm for a safety with 5:55 left in the period.

Southern Durham (0-1) reached the end zone on a 1-yard run by Taikeise Brickous with 1:05 left. McClure’s subsequent pass to Jordan Glover completed a two-point conversion.