10 Observations from TVCC's win over Tyler

(Travis Tapley photo via @TVCCSports)

The TVCC Cardinals are off to a good start in this strange spring football season with a 2-0 record after beating Tyler Friday, 42-10.

Here are 10 thoughts and observations after watching the Cardinals battle the Apaches.

-- The game was officially played on Earl Campbell Field at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium in Tyler. I just needed to write all that out since I didn't do it in my game story.

-- In the first two games of the season, the Cardinal special teams have blocked a field goal attempt, blocked a punt, scored on a punt return, recorded a safety, and kicker Christopher Esqueda-Almanza is 2-for-2 on field goals and 9-for-9 on extra points. Not too shabby.

-- You know there's been a really big hit when everyone in the press box all groan at the same time. That happened Friday when TVCC quarterback Matt Morrissey got lit up on a third down run, but he bounced back on the next play to run for a first down on 4th and 2. The drive ended with the Cardinals' first touchdown. You have to love it when your quarterback shows that kind of toughness.

-- The stat line just says 16-yard reception by Jordan Davis, but that doesn't nearly tell the story. Davis jumped high over the defender and caught the ball one handed, setting up a touchdown two plays later. It was one of the best catches I've seen in a very long time.

-- TVCC had two interceptions Friday -- Ian Massey and BJ Sculark Jr. -- but could have had a third. Two Cardinal DBs ran into each other in the end zone going for a pick. Either one alone would have come down with the turnover.

-- Some may have questioned why TVCC was throwing the ball late in the fourth quarter, but Coach Sherard Poteete was obviously getting his QB room some work. Four different quarterbacks completed passes Friday. "It was a good chance to get some guys their first college experience," said Poteete, "so if they have to play in crunch time, that's not their first experience."

-- The Cardinals also went deep with their running backs and receivers Friday. Twenty different players recorded a rushing attempt or a reception.

-- I can't say enough good things about how the Cardinal defense is playing right now. I also can't single out guys because it is a team effort. Defensive Coordinator Will Reed has his guys playing lights out at all three levels. The front seven is providing constant pressure and the secondary can cover and tackle.

-- Did you notice the Tyler cheerleaders chanting for the defense while their own team was on offense in the red zone? The press box did.

-- This week's game was played on Good Friday. The next two games will be played on Thursdays. Welcome to spring football.

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