(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
In this week’s Cardinal Podcast, Michael Hannigan sat down with Head Coach Sherard Poteete to talk about Saturday’s season-opening win at Independence and how the team will use its open week to prepare for Monroe.
Wrapping Up Independence
The Cardinals returned from Kansas with a 28-15 victory, though Hannigan said the score didn’t reflect how dominant the team was. The defense controlled the game, piling up six sacks, including three from Jussiah Ali. Linebackers Lazavier Amos and Paul Singleton III combined for nearly 30 tackles, while Marquel Hambric had two interceptions.
“Our defense played really well, kind of stopped them all day,” Coach Poteete said. “We turned the ball over three times on offense, so we’ve got to clean that up. But our punter, Max Zuluaga, averaged 55 yards and did a great job flipping the field.”
The offense showed flashes of explosiveness. Quarterback Kaden Brown threw a 50-yard touchdown pass and added a highlight-reel scoring run by leaping into the end zone. Jadyn Collins was also sharp, completing six of eight passes, and transfer Jackson La Tour saw late snaps.
Open Week Focus
Coach Poteete said the open week comes at a good time for a young team, especially the offensive line. The Cardinals will use the extra days to clean up mistakes and prepare for a tougher stretch of games.
“We punted three times and took two delay-of-game penalties,” Coach Poteete said. “That comes back to me. I’ve got to make sure our guys are getting out there, getting set, and getting the ball off.”
Special teams are also a priority after TVCC went 0-for-3 on field goals. COACH Poteete said he still has confidence in his kickers, who have been consistent in practice, and expects improvement moving forward.
This Week
* Open Week – No game Saturday, Aug. 30.
* Next game: Saturday, Sept. 6 – TVCC vs. Monroe College, 7 p.m., Wildcat Stadium in Palestine.
