(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
Playoff football is back at The Valley.
After clinching a postseason spot with last week’s 56-8 road win over New Mexico Military Institute, the No. 7-ranked Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals will close out the regular season Saturday at 1 p.m. against Northeastern Oklahoma A&M at Bruce Field.
TVCC piled up nearly 600 yards of total offense in Roswell, New Mexico, last Saturday. The Cardinals scored 28 unanswered points to build a 28-3 at the half and never looked back.
Linebacker Lazavier Amos continued his steady play in the middle with another dozen tackles, while defensive back Malik Ganaway added 13 stops and a tackle for loss. Jayden Lewis intercepted a pass, and Calvin Kalu-Alexander forced a fumble.
Head Coach Sherard Poteete said he was proud of how his team handled the long trip and stayed focused.
“They did a good job,” Coach Poteete said. “All phases of the game. We took care of the ball on offense and were still able to get a takeaway.”
The win locked the Cardinals into the Southwest Junior College Football Conference playoffs, but there’s still plenty at stake this weekend. NEO enters the game with the inside track for the league’s final playoff spot.
“NEO controls their own destiny,” Coach Poteete said. “They have a lot to play for, and I know Coach Crissup and his staff will have them ready.”
The Golden Norsemen are known for a unique defensive style that differs from most SWJCFC teams. Coach Poteete said it requires some extra preparation.
“They play really good defense like they always do,” he said. “They’re big, they’re physical, and they’re a heavy man-coverage team. You can’t just run your normal offense and expect success.”
Offensively, Coach Poteete said NEO has improved compared to recent years, adding more playmakers at wide receiver and a solid quarterback to balance their traditional power running attack. Their methodical style is designed to control time of possession and limit opposing offenses.
“They’ll get up to the line, look to the sideline, milk the clock and shorten the game,” Coach Poteete said. “If they can limit the opponent’s possessions, that bodes well for them.”
Saturday’s match-up will also carry extra meaning for TVCC fans. The school will recognize members of the 1994 National Championship team, which won the title 31 years ago — against NEO. With NEO moving to the Kansas Jayhawk Conference next year, this could be the last meeting between the programs for a while.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Bruce Field in Athens.
