HONOLULU, Hawaii - Arizona capitalized on big defensive plays to coast to its first-ever post-season victory, 30-21, over North Carolina. All-America free safety Chuck Cecil was the ring-leader of the Cat defense that forced five fumbles with bone-jarring hits.
The Arizona offense showed spark as well. David Adams closed his sterling career with 81 yards rushing and a touchdown and three catches for 77 yards. Offensive MVP Alfred Jenkins finished 12-of-28 passing for 187 yards and a score.
But it was coach Larry Smith’s defense which made the big plays to set up points. A Jim Birmingham fumble recovery led to a 31-yard Gary Coston field goal to begin the attack. Later, Boomer Gibson partially blocked a punt, and the Cats put seven more on the board with an Adams one-yard scamper. Danny Lockett’s sack of Mark Maye caused a fumble, and the Cats cashed in with another Coston three-pointer for a 13-0 halftime lead.
It was more of the same in the third quarter. Arizona’s Jeff Valder booted a 52-yard field goal to set an Aloha Bowl record. Then Cecil clobbered Jonathan Hall, and Jerry Beasley recovered the subsequent fumble at the Tar Heel 30. Jenkins found Jon Horton from 13 yards out for the quick score. Another Tar Heel fumble led to Greathouse’s five-yard scoring run, and the Cats were in control.
