As the players crowded around the official for the coin toss, there was a video playing across the jumbotron that discussed unity among orange. The Hokies were favored this game by only three points, despite our 2-4 track record this season compared to Syracuse’s 6-1.
The game started off with two quick touchdowns and field goals by both teams that kept the Hokies and Oranges tied 7-7 for the first quarter. The Hokies had plenty of first downs for the band to start cheers for VTag, and this energy certainly continued throughout the game.
Jessica Stewart (left) and Nikki Jean (right) dancing along to a pep tune; Source: Ashlyn McDonald
By second quarter, the energy was at an all time high when Virginia Tech recaptured the ball from Syracuse, running all the way down to the end zone for another touchdown and successful field goal kick. Another field goal left the Hokies sitting comfortably at 13-19 by the end of the quarter.
The trumpets dancing along to the HighTechs performance during a timeout; Source: Ashlyn McDonald
Throwing back to some old time favorites that everyone danced to when they were kids, the band played a mashup of the Chicken Dance into YMCA, concluding with Thriller! The seniors were recognized mid show as they each ran down to the front sideline as their names were called with their sections. The show continued into the Hokie-Pokie, and finally every Hokies favorite song: Tech Triumph. We also took the time to thank our wonderful support from retiring Athletics employee, Tom Gabbard, who has been an amazing band liaison to the MVs.
The band spelling out Thanks Tom during game day rehearsal; Source: Ashlyn McDonald
Third quarter did not disappoint with a riveting back and forth between oranges. The band continued to play Iron Man for the football team, supporting their strength. The Hokies quickly brought us back in the lead to finish the quarter 20-26.
The saxes getting pumped for the remainder of the game; Source: Ashlyn McDonald
Katrina Newby (left) and Hunter Allen (right) gritting their teeth at this nail biter of a game; Source: Ashlyn McDonald
The band entered the fourth quarter all fired up to win, with the student section singing along to their playing of Light ‘Em Up. There was a touch down and field goal kick from Syracuse but Virginia Tech brought us back in the lead with another successful field goal. The Heighty-Tighties played Tech Triumph as the Marching Virginians sang along from the opposite end of the stands. With another touchdown from the Hokies, it was beginning to feel like a win set in stone until the Oranges scored their own touchdown. The band cheered, playing loud and proud the pep tune Radar Love to show the football team a little extra love in their efforts to win.
But in the last 20 seconds of the game, the Oranges scored a touchdown to make the final score 41-36. An exciting game overall, the seniors enjoyed their second to last home game as MVs. #MVs4Lyfe