Offensive troubles hurt TVCC in 21-14 loss to Blinn
BRENHAM -- Turnovers finally caught up with TVCC Saturday.
The No. 4-ranked Cardinals fumbled the ball away four times -- one that was recovered in the end zone -- on their way to a 21-14 loss to Blinn.
The loss drops the Cardinals to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in SWJCFC play. Blinn is now 3-2 in the conference.
TVCC took its only lead of the game late in the first half on a 10-play, 60-yard drive to make the score 14-7. Bronson McClelland hit Kordell David on a 7-yard slant for the touchdown. McClelland was 5-for-7 on the drive for 57 yards.
The defense forced the Buccaneers to punt on their next possession and it looked like the Cardinals had overcome a slow start and might even get a chance to extend their lead before halftime. But then the fumbles hit.
TVCC muffed the punt and the ball bounced into the end zone where Blinn jumped on it for a touchdown to tie the score at halftime. Then the Cardinals lost fumbles on their first two drives of the second half.
Attrition also hit TVCC, with their quarterbacks getting hit often by the Buccaneers. McClelland left the game after hurting his ankle and all four of the Cardinal quarterbacks who dressed for the game made an appearance.
The Cardinals could never get going after halftime. TVCC went three-and-out on six of their nine-second-half possessions.
The defense kept TVCC in the game. Blinn was on TVCC's side of the field on six straight possessions in the second half, but the Cardinal defense still held them scoreless.
The final time was after a Cardinal fumble gave the Bucs the ball on the TVCC 39. Blinn gained just five yards and tried a field goal, but the holder dropped the ball and the Cards took over on their own 41.
But the offense held the ball for just two minutes before having to punt, and Blinn returned the kick to the Cardinal 24.
The seventh time, the defense couldn't hold. Blinn's Joshua Berry found a seam and ran 24 yards to the end zone for the winning score.
The Cardinals will return to action at home next Saturday against Navarro College. It is Homecoming and Hall of Fame induction day for TVCC. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m.
SCORING SUMMARY
BLINN (1Q 10:39): Jalen Early 9-yard run. Alejandro Quintero kick. 7-0
TVCC (2Q 14:56): Jake Gaster 32-yard field goal. 7-3
TVCC (2Q 9:01): Jake Gaster 35-yard field goal. 7-6
TVCC (2Q 3:03): Bronson McClelland 7-yard pass to Kordell David. McClelland pass to Korey King good. 14-7
Blinn (2Q 0:54): Dillon Denman fumble recovery in the end zone. Alejandro Quintero kick. 14-14
Blinn (4Q 5:30): Joshua Berry 24-yard run. Alejandro Quintero kick. 21-14
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