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By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN
When the No. 4-ranked Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals (2-0, 1-0) kick off against Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Saturday evening, it will be almost one year to the day since the Cardinals last lost a game.
To the same NEO Golden Norsemen (1-0, 1-0).
“Obviously we didn’t play well in that game,” said TVCC Coach Brad Smiley about the 30-29 loss, the Cardinals only loss of 2016. “That was our worst game of the year.”
Since then, the Cardinals have reeled off 11 straight victories, including a playoff win over NEO last season, so there’s really no revenge factor involved in Saturday’s game.
There is, however, another ranked conference opponent. NEO comes into Bruce Field ranked No. 11.
“I think they’re doing a great job,” said Smiley. “I think they’re building the program and doing it the right way.”
Last week, NEO raced past New Mexico Military Institute, 40-7.
“They’ve got a good team and they have a lot of experience,” Smiley said.
NEO also has a familiar coaching staff. NEO Head Coach Clay Patterson was the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator.
Not that it means much during the game.
“Before the game we’re good buddies, and after the game we’re good buddies,” said Smiley, “but during the game that’s somebody trying to keep us from reaching our goal and we’re trying to keep them from reaching theirs.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Bruce Field in Athens.
(Follow Michael V. Hannigan on Twitter and Instagram @mvhannigan)