7 Awards from TVCC’s 57-3 thumping of Pima

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By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

The TVCC Cardinals opened up their 2017 season by rolling over Pima Community College, 57-3.

The game was the annual Battle in the Valley, made possible by Paul Benson and Virtual Communication Specialists in Athens.

Check out video and scoring summaries below, but first we hand out seven awards for the first game of the season.

The Thank You Very, Very Much Award — Paul Benson

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The Battle in the Valley is basically a bowl game to start the season. No other team in the NJCAA gets these type of games and it is all thanks to Paul Benson and his company, Virtual Communication Specialists.

The Early MVP Candidate Award – Shelton Eppler

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The second-year quarterback tore up Pima with six total touchdowns, four passing and two rushing. And he didn’t play the fourth quarter.

The Griswold Family Vacation Award — The Cardinal Offense

The Cardinal offense had drives of 97, 89 and 80 yards. If they had to, they could have driven to Walley World.

The Takeaway Award — The Cardinal Defense

Not all the splash plays were on the offensive side of the ball Saturday. The Cardinal defense forced five turnovers, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries, including a pick on the first play of the game by Cassius Grady.

The Monsters Up Front Award – The Cardinal Defense Front 7

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The TVCC defensive linemen and linebackers played the whole game three yards in the Pima backfield.

The Where’d He Go Award — Khalil Banks

Khalil Banks took the opening kickoff of the second half back 86 yards for a touchdown. Along the way he put a move on a Pima defender that made Chris Berman say, “Whoop!” … Honorable mention, Prince Robinson, who had an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown called back because of a flag

The We Are Tough, Too Award — The Cardinal Regiment, Cardettes, and Cheerleaders.

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While the Cards on the field were balling out, the Cards on the sidelines and stands were doing the same. Extra credit for fighting the rain, which picked up during the halftime show.

Social Scoring Summary

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