Thomas Dale's walk-off 99-yard pick-6 in a stunning playoff upset earned the Moment of the Year Award at the RVA Sports Awards.
The honor recognized one of the most dramatic finishes in Central Region history — a walk-off 99-yard pick-six by safety Vincente Chavarria Jr. on the final play of a Region 6A semifinal game against Manchester.
The Knights trailed 21-6 before Manchester senior quarterback Landen Abernethy rallied the Lancers with three total touchdowns to tie the game at 21. With one final possession, Abernethy heaved a Hail Mary from the Dale 40-yard line toward the end zone. Chavarria intercepted the pass and, rather than go down and force overtime, took off down the field — faster than his own coach thought he could run — to give Thomas Dale a 27-21 victory and a trip to the next round of the playoffs.
Head coach Kevin Tucker, who has been with the Thomas Dale program for more than 30 years, accepted the award alongside his players and coaches.
"Like I said, What a play. You know, been doing this for 24 years. And like I said, that one probably ranks up there as the best. I've been a proud member of this Thomas Dale family for over 30 years," Tucker said. "That play kind of set the standard. Each week we get to practice, and we do it twice a week, where we practice one day with offense doing Hail Mary and defense doing it the second day. I couldn't do it without these guys that are up here with me. Thank you to my lovely wife and the family for all the support allowing me to be a big kid every day, and thank you for my coaches and these players for believing in us and doing all the things right."
Chavarria also addressed the crowd during the ceremony.
"I'd just like to give all the glory to God and then my family for always being there for me through all the moments, all the ups and downs. My dad, my mom and my sisters, and then my brother Jordan," he said. "I'd like to thank all the guys here [for being] with me every day, ups and downs. And then lastly, Coach Bruce for putting us through all the situations. And so in the game, we're just having fun."
Congratulations!
Final Score Friday
PHOTOS: Thomas Dale beats Manchester as time expires in playoff upset
The Moment of the Year Award is sponsored by The 288 Group.
