Eagles beat Cavaliers in thriller, 47-43

October 6, 2006
By Cody Dalton
TriCitiesSports.com

Wise, VA – After losing last week to Georgetown, the Cavaliers had their home return spoiled by Lambuth, who scored with 17 seconds remaining in the game to edge out the Cavs, 47-43.

“It’s hard to think a whole lot after that game,” said UVA-Wise coach Bruce Wasem. “It is a pretty disappointing finish.”

The Cavaliers started out the game with the momentum. Running back Ra’Shad Morgan ran the first play from scrimmage 80-yards to give the Cavaliers the initial 7-0 lead. After the first stanza, the Cavs led the Eagles 21-7. It looked as if UVA-Wise would win in dominating fashion, but that would soon change.

In the second quarter, the Eagles would respond. Lambuth took their first drive in the 2nd quarter and drove it 80 yards in 5:10 to cut the Cavs advantage to 21-14. Both teams would head into halftime with the score, 28-21, Cavaliers leading.

The third quarter would mirror the way the game had been. Lambuth started out with the ball and scored, but miss the extra point. The score would be 28-27. The Cavs would score on their next drive, followed by a Lambuth score to end the 3rd quarter. The score was 35-33 heading into the final stanza.

The fourth quarter set up an exciting finish for the home crowd. Lambuth would stop UVA-Wise on their opening drive in the quarter and then start a drive on their own. Lambuth would drive 90 yards in seven plays and take the lead, 40-35, with 2:46 remaining.

It looked as if the Cavaliers had the game won, when they converted a 4th and 4 on their final drive. After that, Cavs quarterback Randy Hippeard completed a 21-yard touchdown pass to Aric Evans. The Cavaliers had the lead 43-40.

Lambuth would play the role of spoiler, however, and drive the ball right down the field. The Eagles scored on a Josh Garza 27-yard pass to R.P. Harris, with only 17 seconds remaining in the game. That score sealed the game for the Cavs, 47-43.

“Offensively and defensively we are just too inconsistent,” said Wasem. “Special teams set them up for two scores too. We still are not hitting on all cylinders.”

The Cavaliers will play next week at #25 Shorter (Ga.), while Lambuth will host Union College. Both games are set for a 1:30 kickoff time.


1 2 3 4 FINAL
Lambuth 7 14 12 14 47
UVA-Wise 21 7 7 8 43


UVA-Wise – Ra’Shad Morgan 80-yard run (Damm kick)
UVA-Wise – Randy Hippeard 65-yard pass to Matt Barbour (Damm kick)
Lambuth – Rad. Raquedan 18-yard run (Nanney kick)
UVA-Wise – Randy Hippeard 4-yard pass to Dustin Thompson (Damm kick)
Lambuth – Josh Garza 5-yard run (Nanney kick)
UVA-Wise – Randy Hippeard 4-yard pass to Aric Evans (Damm kick)
Lambuth – Josh Garza 1-yard pass to Clint Anderson (Nanney kick)
Lambuth – Josh Garza 2-yard run (kick failed)
UVA-Wise – Ra’Shad Morgan 19-yard run (Damm kick)
Lambuth – Josh Garza 10-yard pass to B. Okechukwu (conversion failed)
Lambuth – B. Okechukwu 16-yard run (Nanney kick)
UVA-Wise – Randy Hippeard 21-yard pass to Aric Evans (Ra’Shad Morgan pass)
Lambuth – Josh Garza 27-yard pass to R.P. Harris (Nanney kick)


UVA-Wise Lambuth
First Downs 24 25
Rushing Att-Yards 33-204 47-287
Passes Comp-Att-Int 23-38-1 11-21-0
Passing Yards 335 171
Total Offense 539 458
Punting 3-18.0 4-38.0
Fumbles-Lost 1-1 1-0
Penalties 6-47 5-40

Individual Stats

RUSHING
Lambuth – Raquedan, 20-124, TD; Garza, 15-90, 2 TDs; Ervin, 10-52; Okechukwu, 1-16, TD; DiChiara, 1-5.
UVA-Wise – Morgan, 25-190, 2 TDs; Hippeard, 2-9; Thompson, 2-5.

PASSING
Lambuth – Garza, 11-20-0, 171, 3 TDs; Kelley, 0-1-0, 0.
UVA-Wise – Hippeard, 23-38-1, 335, 3 TDs.

RECEIVING
Lambuth – Harris, 3-83, TD; Abel, 2-36; Kirklin, 2-27; Jackson, 1-10; Okechukwu, 1-10, TD; Ervin, 1-4; Anderson, 1-1, TD.
UVA-Wise – Doe, 10-140; Evans, 6-75, 2 TDs; Barbour, 3-83, TD; Morgan, 2-30; Thompson, 1-4, TD; Watson, 1-3.