TVCC outlasts Blinn in defensive battle, 13-10
(Sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy)
By Michael V. Hannigan
The TVCC Cardinals won an old-school slugfest at Bruce Field Saturday afternoon, knocking off Blinn 13-10 in a game where defense took center stage.
"That's this conference," said TVCC Coach Sherard Poteete, describing the SWJCFC nail-biters the Cardinals have been part of this season. "It's a tough conference. Week in, week out, you've got to show up and play."
TVCC made field position count, forcing Blinn to start inside their own 20-yard line four times in the second half, including twice pinned inside their own 10.
"It's just wild the field position and momentum swings in this game," said Coach Poteete.
One of those important momentum swings came in the second quarter when Coach Poteete challenged an incomplete pass ruling on a highlight play by linebacker Paul Singleton. Upon review, Singleton's one-handed grab was confirmed as an interception, setting up the Cardinals' first touchdown—a 41-yard strike from Champ Harris to Jaquan Lowman.
"It's just good football; defenses playing well and athletes getting after it," Coach Poteete said. "There was some talent on this football field."
The Cardinal defense stepped up in a big way, stifling Blinn’s explosive offense. TVCC held Blinn to just 3-of-15 on third downs. In addition to Singleton's interception, the Cardinals added a fumble recovery by Janaivian Anthony.
Buccaneer quarterback Rylan Wooten was held to just 98 passing yards on 10-of-18 completions, while managing 78 yards on 20 carries.
On offense, the Cardinals were led by wide receiver Jaquan Lowman, who hauled in four catches for 83 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown grab. Tyson Berry contributed with 53 yards on four catches and added 18 yards on five carries.
Quarterback Champ Harris continued to showcase his efficiency, completing 24-of-34 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns, completing 70.5 percent of his throws.
The win improved TVCC's conference record to 1-2 while Blinn fell to 1-2.
The Cardinals will be on the road next week to take on Navarro (1-2). Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday in Corsicana.
SCORING SUMMARY
BLINN - 1Q, 9:06 - Max Nowak 25-yard field goal -- 3-0
TVCC - 1Q, 4:59 - Champ Harris 41-yard pass to Jaquan Lowman. Ty Powers kick good. -- 7-3
TVCC - 4Q, 9:13 - Champ Harris 13-yard pass to Anton Shelton. Kick no good. -- 13-3
Blinn - 4Q, 1:18 - Rylan Wooten 3-yard run. Max Nowak kick good. -- 13-10