WISE – UVA Wise dominated South Carolina Central Christian with a 65-0 shutout on the Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium Saturday afternoon, highlighted by nine touchdowns.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- UVA Wise scored on every full possession they had in the quarter, starting with
Jake Corkren's 38-yard touchdown pass to
Rico Thomas Jr. at 14:20, and a successful PAT by
Noah Perrin. On the next possession
Evan Kennedy further extended the lead with a 25-yard rushing touchdown at 9:57, followed by another Perrin extra point.
Parker Burke later added to the score with a 14-yard touchdown scramble at 6:20, and
McCalan Beason capped the quarter with a 40-yard touchdown pass to
Tre'mell Washington at 3:29. Perrin converted all four PATs, giving the Cavaliers a 28-0 lead at the end of the period.
- The Highland Cavaliers capitalized on a strong offensive push in the second quarter, starting with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Burke to
James Gunter at 5:09 to extend their lead. Later,
Josh Penn powered through with a 3-yard rushing touchdown, making the score 42-0 after the extra point. The Gladiators struggled to advance the ball, highlighted by a fumble recovery at 2:29 by
Davion Jackson after a sack forced by Raaphel Mayes II.
- The third quarter opened with a turnover by the Gladiators as Antwan Wilson was intercepted by
Connor Hood at the UVA Wise 21 yard line. Burke capitalized on the opportunity, leading a 79-yard drive that concluded with a 14-yard touchdown pass to
Everett Rudeseal at 2:15. Perrin added the extra point, extending the Cavs' lead to 49–0. The Cavs' defense would then force a safety on the following Gladiator possession, making the score 51–0. In the final moments of the quarter, Kennedy secured another touchdown with a 13-yard run to bring the quarter to a close at 58–0.
- A sack by
Isaiah McGuffin and
Michael Foster Jr. at 9:50 opened the fourth quarter and forced a 10-yard loss for the Gladiators, setting the stage for a turnover on downs.
Markel Summers was instrumental in the subsequent drive, rushing for 8 yards and then scoring a 1-yard touchdown at the 6:25 mark, extending the UVA Wise lead to 65-0. The Cavs then intercepted a deep pass from Wilson at 3:44, returning it 11 yards to maintain possession and they then held on for the 65-0 win.
GETTING WISE
- Corkren's lone pass of the game went for 38 yards and a touchdown, while Beason was perfect in passing, connecting on 4-of-4 attempts for 131 yards and added a touchdown, while also rushing for 22 yards on two carries.
- Burke finished with 93 passing yards on 10-of-14 attempts, throwing two touchdowns and rushing for an additional touchdown.
- Kennedy provided a strong performance on the ground, rushing six times for 54 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Penn (15 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD) and Summers (9 carries, 45 yards, 1TD) also had solid outings in the rushing game.
- Thomas led the team with six receptions as he had 66 receiving yards and a touchdown. Thompson had three receptions for 50 yards.
-
Braylon Henry led the team with six tackles, while Mayes had four tackles and a pair of sacks.
Connor Hood had an interception and
Davion Jackson recovered a fumble.
- This game was the first time the Cavs scored 60 or more points since they defeated Virginia University of Lynchburg 65-0 on Oct. 28, 2017.
UP NEXT
The Highland Cavaliers will now return to South Atlantic Conference play and go on the road for their next three games. First up is a trip to Hickory, North Carolina, where they will face Lenoir-Rhyne at Moretz Stadium next Saturday, October 18, at 3 p.m.
