The magnificent “Reaves-to-Alvarez” play will be treasured forever by all Gators because it came like a thunderbolt, splitting a blue sky without warning. The 70-yard bomb served notice to Florida’s opponents: You’d better put your track shoes on when you play these Gators.
– From “The Boys From Old Florida: Inside Gator Nation,” by Buddy Martin
The Pass came flying out of John Reaves’ hand on that September 20, 1969, like it had been launched from Cape Kennedy, arcing high and long, purposing toward the intended target of Carlos Alvarez, who would stick the 70-yard landing in Florida Field’s north end zone.