Peyton McClanahan caught a 63-yard touchdown pass with 8:24 remaining on Saturday to seal the deal for the University of Virginia’s College at Wise Highland Cavaliers in their 35-21 South Atlantic Conference football win over Tusculum.

While it helped UVa-Wise (1-4, 1-3) earn its first victory of the 2025 season and made homecoming a happy occasion for the Cavs, that score held much more meaning for McClanahan and the impact went beyond the gridiron.

His grandfather, Jackie McClanahan, passed away on Sept. 21.

That was also the same day that Phil Robbins died at the age of 81. Robbins was a legendary high school football coach in Southwest Virginia and served as the chief of staff for the Highland Cavaliers.

UVa-Wise players lovingly referred to Robbins as “Uncle P” and wore decals on

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