10 observations from a Cardinal blowout at Bruce Field
TVCC rolls 62-0 over RPA
(Travis Tapley Photo ā Korey King had a huge game for the Cardinals)
TVCC unleashed a storm on Rezolution Prep Academy in the first half Thursday night, and then Mother Nature did the same in the second half.
The Cardinals brushed aside RPA in their home opener at Bruce Field, 62-0. The non-conference game was called with 5:26 left in the third quarter because of lightening.
Considering TVCC got the game-winning score :21 seconds into the game, I am going to dispense with the recap story and go straight to my observations.
-- Thursday marked the first time the Cardinals had played at Bruce Field in 523 days. Their last game their was on Nov. 2, 2019. (h/t to Joe Elerson from the Athens Review)
-- Talk about a fast start. After deferring on the opening kick off, Cardinal Tavis McCain picked off RPA on their first play from scrimmage. On TVCC's first play, Matt Morrissey connected with Jahrad Taylor for a 17-yard touchdown. That made the score 7-0 just :21 seconds into the game.
-- And that was all the Cardinals needed because the defense pitched a shutout. TVCC forced three turnovers in a little more than two-and-a-half quarters. In addition to McCain's pick, the Cardinals got fumble recoveries from Tavian Coleman and Kamaurja Kenney. They also picked up three sacks.
-- Actually, the TVCC defense outscored RPA because Kenney returned his fumble 18 yards for a touchdown.
-- In a game filled with big offensive performances, the biggest might have been by WR Korey King who had six receptions for 174 yards and a touchdown. And that was all in the first half!
-- Andrew Henry once again showed he is a dual threat. He had six carries for 94 yards and a TD plus a 16-yard TD reception. This is the second consecutive week he's gone over 100 yards from scrimmage, and the second week in a row he gave love to his offensive line.
-- Another nice game from quarterback Matt Morrissey, who threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns plus ran for another score. Tucker Yarbrough also threw a touchdown pass for the second straight week.
-- The Cardinal offense gained 520 yards (206 rushing, 314 passing) in two-and-a-half quarters of play.
-- Did You Notice: TVCC went to a two-back look in the second quarter that RPA had zero chance defending. With Henry and Cameron Collier in the backfield, the Cardinals went 90 yards in four plays. First Collier had runs of 23 and 10, then Henry ran for 47 before scoring on a 10-yard run. The drive took 41 seconds and was the most dominating series of the game, in my opinion.
-- Since I didn't do a regular story, here is the Cardinal scoring summary in order:
Matt Morrissey 17-yard pass to Jahrad Taylor - 1Q 14:39
Matt Morrissey 24-yard pass to Jordan Davis - 1Q 7:45
Matt Morrisey 1-yard run - 1Q 2:24
Matt Morrisey 16-yard pass to Andrew Henry - 2Q 9:09
Andrew Henry 10-yard run - 2Q 3:53
Tucker Yarbrough 21-yard pass to Korey King - 2Q :12
Cameron Collier 8-yard run - 3Q 13:35
Kamaurja Kenney 18-yard fumble return - 3Q 12:34
De'dric Davis 1-yard run - 3Q 5:34
The Cardinals return to the road and to conference play next Thursday night when they take on No. 9 Cisco. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
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