The first quarter was a rough start for both Cavaliers and Hokies, with flag after flag made on every play. It was hinting at the start of an unnecessarily long game, though we all know that wasn’t the case.
With the clock at 7:10, UVA scored the first touchdown, but with a flag on the play, they walked back to the 18 yard line for a first down. At 6:20, the Cavaliers edged their touchdown officially. Not to worry though, because the Hokies scored their first touchdown with 5 minutes to spare in the first quarter, securing a field goal kick to make the score an even 7-7 with the band playing our fight song.
Hokies had to adapt to COVID-19 protocols once again to be in attendance for this game, yet we still played loud and proud for our team; Source: Beau Wong
Unfortunately though, the Cavaliers scored one last touchdown in the last 50 seconds to close out the quarter, entering second at 7-14. The Hokies started out strong, bringing the score even once more at 14-14. But UVA scored once more with Tech bringing up the rear with a successful field goal kick for a score of 17-21. The band screamed along to the drumline taps at every attempted play made by UVA, with our hands held in fists, flailing in the air.
The Sax section dancing and cheering on our team; Source: Nayha Pochiraju
Halftime was lively as the Cavaliers celebrated their seniors. The band played Taylor Swift’s song 22 for their graduating class of 2022. Once the song finished, all of the seniors ran out front in a line to be recognized. The band continued into Lil Nas X’s Industry Baby that included a dance break where the guard and whole band jammed to the drumline. Drumline broke into cadence on the conclusion of the song as the band circled around into a new formation for their final song, Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler. Halftime concluded with the Cavalier Fight Song as they were cheered off the field by the Marching Virginians.
Connor Lindsay with a member of the Cavalier Marching Band Alice Chun; Source: Nayha Pochiraju
With the scores so close again, UVA sought to get farther ahead from Virginia Tech by going for a field goal kick. They brought the score 17-24, but it wasn’t far enough as the Hokies scored a touchdown and kick for a final score of the quarter 23-24. Every Hokie was in high spirits thanks to the Marching Virginians starting and participating in the “Let’s Go” chant. Not for a second did we lose faith in our team.
Evan Fox chanting with his section; Source: Nayha Pochiraju
Closer than ever, the Hokies fought even harder at the start of the fourth quarter, securing another field goal for a score of 27-24. In perhaps one of the most exciting turn of events in football history for the Commonwealth Cup, the Cavaliers fumbled the ball at 3:17 on the clock just for the Hokies to recover the ball in the end zone for a final score of 29-24.
Senior Staff Assistants Logan Epperly and Ashlyn McDonald with feature twirler Meredith Smith hoping the play on review went in our favor; Source: Beau Wong
All that was left to do was to prevent UVA from scoring another touchdown. With 30 seconds left on the clock, the Hokies recaptured the ball again. With no room left to wiggle, the Cavaliers and Hokies ran out the clock together, fans cheering “Let’s Go!” at the seven second mark.
Jordan Downing and Atlas Vernier celebrating the win among other proud Marching Virginians; Source: Nayha Pochiraju
As fans stormed the field, the band played their final tunes, VPI Victory March, Bomb Bomb, Black Parade, and Superman. At our exit, fans continued to scream “Let’s Go!” at band members in hopes of continuing the chants and cheers for the adrenaline racing win.
Allie Schrant shocked by the Hokie win; Source: Nayha Pochiraju
One of our favorite quotes of the evening was walking by the remaining tailgaters to our buses.
“They couldn’t have won without you guys,” passing tailgater in a gray UVA hoodie.
“I don’t have anything to say to y’all so have a nice evening,” passing UVA student with a pleasant accent.
The win, despite the rivalry, seemed to be taken well by Cavalier students.
Dean McDonough and Dylan Guy smiling behind their PPE; Source: Beau Wong
What an excellent way to conclude the Hokies football season!