Cardinals Clear Must-Win Hurdle, Beat NMMI 32-9
(Sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy)
By Michael V. Hannigan
The TVCC Cardinals needed more than a win on Saturday.
Because of some tough early season losses, their only path to the playoffs runs through tiebreakers. That meant beating New Mexico Military Institute by at least 17 points to stay alive in the SWJCFC standings.
They delivered, beating the Broncos, 32-9. But it wasn't easy.
With 5 minutes left in the game, TVCC had just a 16-point lead and NMMI had the ball first and goal from the TVCC 2 yard line. The Cardinals' playoff hopes hung by a thread.
The defense didn't flinch, holding the Broncos out of the end zone.
The offense took over at their own 11 with 3:40 left. Eight plays and 89 yards later, Champ Harris hit Germonie Davis in the left corner of the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown that kept their postseason dreams alive.
"What a resilient effort by the defense shutting them down again," said TVCC Coach Sherard Poteete. "And we were able to put points on the board when we needed it at the end of the game to keep our hopes alive for postseason play."
The Cardinal defense was dominant throughout, forcing five Bronco turnovers - interceptions by Jerrick Harper, Soloman Macfoy, and Chase Biddle, plus fumble recoveries from Noah Flemmings and Gavin Smith.
Unfortunately, the TVCC offense returned the favor by turning the ball over four times itself.
The Cardinals were led on the ground by Taj Wilson with 16 carries for 117 yards and Jamary Williams with 7 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown.
Champ Harris threw for 140 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.
The Cardinals will finish their regular season on the road next week when they travel to Oklahoma to take on the NEO Golden Norsemen.
SCORING SUMMARY
TVCC - 1Q, 12:09 - Demetrius Pearce 2-yard pass from Champ Harris. Ty Powers kick good. -- 7-0
NMMI - 1Q, 11:17 - Jake South 69-yard pass to Kendall Jones. Jack Nelson kick good. -- 7-7
TVCC - 1Q, 9:11 - Ty Powers 30-yard field goal. -- 10-7
TVCC - 2Q, 6:13 - Jamary Williams 18-yard run. Kick blocked. -- 16-7
TVCC - 3Q, 9:38 - Ty Powers 28-yard field goal. -- 19-7
TVCC - 4Q, 13:15 - Jaquan Lowman 19-yard pass from Champ Harris. Kick blocked and returned by NMMI's Daylan Chichester for a 2 pt conversion. -- 25-9
TVCC - 4Q, 1:14 - Germonie Davis 19-yard pass from Champ Harris. Ty Powers kick good. -- 32-9
