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In this episode, Michael talks with Coach Poteete about the Cardinals' final regular season game against the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Golden Norsemen as TVCC looks to keep its playoff hopes alive.
Last Week's Win
The Cardinals (2-4) secured an important win last week, beating New Mexico Military Institute, 32-9. Because of playoff tiebreaker scenarios, TVCC had to win the game by 17, but found themselves up by just 16 points with 5 minutes left in the game and NMMI with a first-and-goal.
But the defense delivered a goal-line stand, shutting down multiple attempts near the end zone even after a contested pass interference call gave NMMI new life inside the five-yard line. The offense then delivered with a clutch 89-yard drive featuring big plays by QB Champ Harris and WR Germonie Davis.
Linebacker Noah Flemmings, who is ranked second in the nation with 11.3 tackles per game, dominated with 21 total tackles including 11 solo stops and a tackle for loss. The Cardinals' defense continues to excel, ranking third nationally in sacks.
"Our defense has played really well," Coach Poteete said. "We've been able to get pressure by not blitzing. We've been able to rush four and play really good coverage in the secondary."
On the Road to NEO
NEO (1-4) enters Saturday averaging under 20 points per game. However, Coach Poteete said they have a good ground game.
"Their running back might be the best running back we will face since Game 1 against Independence," he said. "He can hit a hole, he can run, he can run through arm tackles."
The Golden Norsemen's defense plays tight coverage and brings their safeties up to stop the run. Their defensive linemen tie up blockers while their safeties lead the charge downfield for tackles. On passing plays, those safeties drop back deep while their cornerbacks stick close to receivers one-on-one.
It will be a tough match-up for the Cardinals' offense, which continues to deal with injuries.
"Its got to be the next guy up, right?” said Coach Poteete. “I mean, that's why you practice and you take those reps, whether it's a scout team rep this week or a rep with with the first team … all those reps matter. That's why we’ve got to have everybody involved in practice.”
QB Champ Harris has emerged as a key leader as the offense works through the challenges.
"Champ's the best teammate," Coach Poteete said. "He's the guy in the huddle getting the next guy ready to go. He's tough, he's a competitor."
This Week
The Cardinals will travel to Miami, Oklahoma on Friday, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. Saturday. A win is essential for TVCC to have any chance at the playoffs.
"We can control what we can control," Poteete said. "We've got to go take care of our business, and then we'll see what everything else turns out."
If you can’t make the trip, you can watch the Cardinals play NEO here. (There is a $10 charge.)
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