(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title and Holt Wrecker Service)
Five straight wins have carried Trinity Valley to No. 5 in the country and first place in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference.
This week, the Cardinals (5-1, 5-0) travel to Cisco (1-4, 1-3) for a 1 p.m. kickoff Saturday.
Last week, TVCC dominated New Mexico Military 39-10.
The Cardinals built a 37-0 lead in the third quarter, but TVCC head coach Sherard Poteete said his team eased off after about 2.5 strong quarters.
“We gotta be able to be able to put the pedal to the floor and stay on it,” Poteete said.
Still, Poteete likes what he sees. He said his players were having fun at Wednesday’s practice, and he wants to keep that energy without losing focus.
Finding Balance
One of TVCC’s biggest improvements has been its running game.
Quarterback Jackson LaTour carried much of the offense early in the season, but Tavias Gordon and Jalan Campiti have provided balance.
Against NMMI, Gordon and Campiti combined for 159 rushing yards and two touchdowns. LaTour threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns without an interception.
The defense intercepted three passes and allowed only a field goal. NMMI’s lone touchdown came on a fumble recovery in the end zone.
Special teams have also contributed. Poteete said the Cardinals have allowed just eight punt return yards over the past four games, helping TVCC control field position.
Cisco Can Score
The Wranglers’ record doesn’t tell the whole story.
Cisco is averaging 28 points per game and has scored 40 or more twice this season, including 43 in last week’s loss to Navarro.
Running back Zereian Quarles has rushed for 583 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 7.1 yards per carry.
Quarterback Lior Mendji has thrown for 693 yards and eight touchdowns, although he has also been intercepted five times.
Cisco’s defense has struggled, allowing 44.8 points per game.
Poteete said Cisco coach Charlie Rizzio consistently has his teams ready to play.
“They do a really good job of just playing really, really hard,” Poteete said.
With Cisco needing a win to help its postseason chances, Poteete expects a determined opponent.
“We’re gonna get their best shot,” he said.
The Cardinals have an open week following Cisco before returning home to face Blinn on Oct. 24.
