WISE – UVA Wise used a big fourth quarter performance to pick up the 35-21 South Atlantic Conference win over Tusculum University Homecoming Saturday on the Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium. The Cavaliers secured the victory with four rushing touchdowns and a strong defensive showing, forcing three fumbles and recording three sacks. Despite the Pioneers' two interceptions, the home team controlled the ground game with 205 rushing yards, culminating in a decisive fourth-quarter performance that broke open a 21-21 tie and sealed the victory.
The win was especially meaningful for the team as they were playing to honor the team's Chief of Staff,
Phil Robbins, who passed away last Sunday.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Result: UVA Wise 35, Tusculum 21
Records: UVA Wise (1-4, 1-3 SAC); Tusculum (1-4, 0-4 SAC)
Location: Wise, Virginia | Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium
HOW IT HAPPENED
UVA Wise opened the game with a methodical drive starting from their 35-yard line. A 25-yard pass from
Jake Corkren to
DJ Powell and a 20-yard completion to
Kahlil Jones Jr helped set up
Daniel Thomas for a 1-yard touchdown run, and
Noah Perrin added the extra point to give the Cavaliers a 7-0 lead.
Tusculum responded a few minutes later as Tre Mobley intercepted a Cavalier pass and returned it for a touchdown, leveling the score at 7-7. The Pioneers got another interception return five minutes later, this time by DJ Dailey, that put the Pioneers ahead. The Cavs then answered with a 20-yard
Daniel Thomas touchdown run as the first quarter ended, with Perrin's extra point tying the game at 14-14.
The second quarter saw
Daniel Thomas leading a 75-yard drive by rushing on four of the six plays in the drive, culminating in his 19-yard touchdown run that extended the Cavaliers' lead to 21-14. The Pioneers countered with a possession that ended with John Celestin's 15-yard touchdown run, tying the game at. A late holding penalty nullified a potential score for UVA Wise, keeping the game tied at the half.
The third quarter began with a defensive stand by the Highland Cavaliers, forcing the Pioneers to punt after short gains. During the drive, UVA Wise's
Elijah Matthews made a crucial pass breakup, denying a deep attempt from Lavante Adams. This defense allowed the Cavs to go on offense, though their drive stalled at the Tusculum 36-yard line. Neither team scored, and the quarter ended with the score tied at 21-21.
The fourth quarter saw the Cavs pull away from the Pioneers. Corkren's connection with Powell, including a 20-yard completion, set up
Andon Rogers' 16-yard touchdown that gave UVA Wise the 28-21 lead with 11:58 remaining. A fumble recovery by RaaPhell Mayes II on the next Pioneer drive led to a 63-yard Corkren touchdown pass to
Peyton McClanahan, widening the gap to 35-21. The Cavs then held the Pioneers to only 21 total yards on their final two drives to seal the victory.
GETTING WISE
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Jake Corkren completed 18 of 34 passes for 282 yards, two interceptions, and one touchdown.
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Daniel Thomas rushed 32 times for 167 yards, scoring three touchdowns, surpassing the 100-yard mark for the third time this season.
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Andon Rogers added seven carries for 26 yards and a touchdown.
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DJ Powell had an outstanding game with nine receptions for 119 yards, while
Kahlil Jones Jr had four catches for 61 yards.
Peyton McClanahan had 3 receptions for77 yards and a TD.
- On defense,
Brub Hines III led with 11 total tackles and forced a fumble, while
Jalen Pickens had nine tackles and recovered a Pioneer fumble.
- The Cavs out-rushed the Pioneers by a 205–135 yard margin and also had the 214-171 advantage in passing yards. UVA Wise was also 9-15 in third down conversions and scored in all four trips inside the Red Zone.
UP NEXT
The Highland Cavaliers will travel to Anderson to face the Trojans next Saturday. The game will kick off at 2 p.m.
