By Michael V. Hannigan
Happy Homecoming, TVCC!
The Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals clinched their fourth consecutive Southwest Junior College Football Conference title Saturday, beating Kilgore 52-40 at a sun-soaked Bruce Field. TVCC was celebrating Homecoming and the induction of this year’s Hall of Fame class as well.
Not only did the win ensure the conference title, it also made Head Coach Brad Smiley TVCC’s career leader in wins with 56.
TVCC fell behind 3-0 early in the first, but quickly bounced back.
TVCC's Cedric Battle scores on a 6 yard run. 21-3 TVCC over Kilgore.6:55 2Q. … Cards dominating.
— Henderson County Now (@hctxnow) October 22, 2016
But three turnovers — two interceptions and a fumble — slowed them down before the half.
Turnovers are killing the Cards. Kilgore just took a fumble recovery to the house … waiting on the extra point. Rangers may go for 2.
— Henderson County Now (@hctxnow) October 22, 2016
2 point conversion attempt stopped. TVCC 21 – Kilgore 12 … 2:13 2Q.
— Henderson County Now (@hctxnow) October 22, 2016
The second half didn’t start out how the Cardinals planned.
Inauspicious start to 2nd half for Cards. Almost lose the ball on the kickoff then go 3 and out.
— Henderson County Now (@hctxnow) October 22, 2016
Cardinals give it right back with their 3rd INT of the game! Kilgore ball near midfield. 8:40 3Q.
— Henderson County Now (@hctxnow) October 22, 2016
Kilgore QB Eiland runs 6 yards for TD set up by a long pass competition. TVCC still leads 21-19. 6:22 3Q
— Henderson County Now (@hctxnow) October 22, 2016
But TVCC bounced back in a big way behind the passing of Shelton Eppler.
Jalen Guyton gets his second TD reception of the game, Cards push their lead to 28-19 over Kilgore. 4:52 3Q. pic.twitter.com/NA8PTCFgtt
— Henderson County Now (@hctxnow) October 22, 2016
BOOM! On first play from scrimmage after the missed field goal, Tony Mullins catches a 75 yd TD pass. 35-19 Cards. 9 seconds left in 3rd.
— Henderson County Now (@hctxnow) October 22, 2016
After that, the two teams traded touchdowns without Kilgore getting any closer than to within 12. But Jalen Guyton did pick up his third touchdown for the Cardinals.
BTW … that is Shelton Eppler's third TD pass of the second half. The three cover 174 yards. #SlinginShelton
— Henderson County Now (@hctxnow) October 22, 2016
I went live late in the game when it looked like Kilgore might claw its way close, but the defense stepped up and Adam Berryman scored his second touchdown for TVCC, putting the game out of reach.
The Cardinals will travel to Cisco next week. Game time is 3 p.m.
The post TVCC beats Kilgore, clinches fourth straight conference title appeared first on Henderson County Now.