Category: Football

Intensity high as TVCC Cards in shells for the first time

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXjEHwcB-nT/?taken-by=hctxnow

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

The Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals were in shells and shorts for the first time Tuesday, which meant there was an increase in contact on the practice field.

“Everybody looks good in shorts and helmets and everybody talks a good game,” said Smiley, “but when you’ve got to strap up and put a mouthpiece in and somebody is hitting you back, it is a whole different story.”

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Henderson County’s Secret: The TVCC Cardinal football team is that good

TVCC President Dr. Jerry King, left, and Head Coach Brad Smiley celebrate the Cardinals winning the 2016 SWJCFC Championship at Bruce Field in Athens. (Michael V. Hannigan photo)

By Michael V. Hannigan

I have been lucky enough to cover the TVCC Cardinal football team at different times in my career and I’ve been on the sidelines for their games pretty regularly for the past four years.

From the first time I covered the Cards to last year’s C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl win, I have thought the same thing.

Henderson County doesn’t realize what a football treasure it has in Athens.

TVCC and the Southwest Junior College Football Conference is big time football. Turn on your favorite device any Saturday or Sunday in the fall and you will see former Cardinal players putting on a show for Division I college football and the NFL.

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