The Virginia Cavaliers put on a dominant performance on Saturday afternoon at Scott Stadium to get their second win of this early season. On a beautiful afternoon where the ‘Hoos were accompanied by the families of Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler, and D’sean Perry to honor those three men who lost their lives in November of 2022 for UVA Strong day, Tony Elliott and the rest of the Cavaliers staff and roster did just that before, during, and after the contest.
It was an emotional day that started with
damp eyes and ended with records being broken in the Cavaliers’ favor. I was on the field capturing the 55-16 rout through the lens. Here are my top five photos:
5. Pregame Prayer
Junior WR Suderian Harrison has the honor of wearing the same jersey number as Lavel Davis Jr. did during his time as a ‘Hoo. He also carried the privilege of running out of the tunnel with the UVA strong flag. Harrison went straight to the north end zone and knelt in prayer. It was a beautiful moment, and I was grateful to be right in front of him to capture this photo.
4. The Jubilant Jump
Harrison Waylee opened the second half with a 97-yard touchdown run, which broke Mikell Simpson’s previous school record of 96 yards for the longest rush in school history. Waylee led the way for the ‘Hoos with 151 rushing yards on ten attempts while getting into the pay dirt three times.
The Virginia faithful may be seeing more of Waylee as the season unfolds, as Tony Elliott admitted in the press conference that he apologized to the Wyoming transfer for not getting him into the game against NC State. Elliott added that Saturday afternoon served as a reward for Waylee for not complaining about not getting any time in week two, but instead showing up and working hard in practice all week.
3. The first of many
Xavier Brown got into the end zone for the first time this season early in the second quarter. It was the third of six rushing touchdowns for the Cavaliers on Saturday and will be the first of many this season for the senior from Lexington, Kentucky.
2. Exit Stage Right
Virginia has itself a QB1 in Chandler Morris, and everyone knows and can see that. Morris got pulled from the game midway through the second quarter of this game after he led a five-play 35-yard touchdown drive that ended with him throwing his sole touchdown pass of the game to John Rogers.
1. UVA Strong
What a day. This one was always going to be more than a football game. The University of Virginia did a tremendous job, yet again, honoring the lives of Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler, and D’Sean Perry. Tony Elliott and his crew also did an excellent job honoring their legacy through their play against William & Mary.
