Uvalde celebrated the 50th anniversary of the only state football championship team on Friday night with a backdrop of grief.

With almost everyone on his side in the home opener, Uvalde did not disappoint thanks to a last-minute play.

Uvalde beat Eagle Pass Winn 34-28 thanks to a one-handed touchdown reception with 12 seconds remaining. Just watch out for yourself:

Uvalde was the site of a horrific school shooting last May that killed 19 students and two teachers. The team’s sole state championship Friday celebration was planned well in advance of the shooting, so the town decided to go ahead with the schedule.

Our very own Kevin Sherrington visited Uvalde last month to document the story. he wrote:

Nothing can heal the 21 lost lives. No one has suggested that it is possible. Sure, no one looks at reminders every day. Steve Stoy and dozens of his former high school teammates still live in the town they grew up in. They worship at the same churches, shop at the same grocery stores, and eat at the same restaurants as the victim’s family.

You will pass the same monument.

’72 Coyote has been so sensitive to grief and anger since the shooting at Robb Elementary School on May 24th that he wasn’t sure if the reunion should even go ahead. They didn’t know if it was true.

But on Friday night, the 2022 Coyotes honored the 1972 champions in style in their own town.

Read more about Uvalde’s 1972 team and a short break from the celebrations this week here.