Demon June Runs for 3 TDs as North Carolina Routs East Tennessee State 35-3 for 2-0 Start
The transfer tight end scored on a 24-yard catch and run as UNC built a 14-0 lead on a record-tying 99-yard drive.
- On Saturday, the North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the East Tennessee State Buccaneers 35-3 at Kenan Stadium in their home opener. Coach Bill Belichick led the team to a 2-0 start behind quarterback Billy Edwards's two first-quarter scores and running back Demon June's three rushing touchdowns.
- Tight end Jelani Thurman recorded his first career touchdown catch on a 24-yard pass from Edwards early in the first quarter. This reflected offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino's emphasis on tight ends, with Thurman finishing with a team-high 71 receiving yards.
- A 99-yard drive capped by Benjamin Hall's 26-yard touchdown reception helped the North Carolina offense total 427 yards. Defensively, the Tar Heels forced two turnovers and recorded four sacks from Jalen Harvey and Xavier Lewis while allowing only 199 yards.
- Kenan Stadium's 100th season began with this victory, marking the venue's first game in 1927. North Carolina dominated the Football Championship Subdivision guests, holding East Tennessee State scoreless for over 56 minutes despite seven penalties against the visitors.
- Facing stiffer competition, the Tar Heels visit Clemson next Saturday for an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup. The team played without standout defensive lineman Melkart Abou Jaoude, who remained sidelined after sustaining an injury during the season opener against TCU.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Demon June’s 3 TD runs help North Carolina rout East Tennessee State
Demon June scored on three touchdown runs as North Carolina won its home opener by defeating East Tennessee State 35-3 on Saturday afternoon at Chapel Hill, N.C.Billy Edwards Jr. threw two touchdown passes for the Tar Heels (2-0), completing 15 of 20 t...
Bill Belichick, UNC vs. East TN St. Final Box Score, Top Player Stats and Highlights
Led by head coach Bill Belichick, the North Carolina Tar Heels improved to 2-0 on the season with a 35-3 victory over the East Tennessee State Buccaneers in their home opener at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Saturday.
Live scoreboard: UNC hosts ETSU in first home game of 2026 season
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — After an upset win over TCU in Dublin on Aug. 29, North Carolina football is back home to play at Kenan Stadium for the first time in 2026. The Tar Heels (1-0) will host …
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