Triad’s JC Alexander picks up yardage against Southeastern on Friday. The Cardinals won, 18-14. (Photo submitted)
After a long and slow start to the season, the Cardinals of Triad were able to find their second win of the year on Friday.
A late-game score and a defensive shutdown helped Triad beat the Trojans of Southeastern, 18-14.
Triad head coach Zach Winslow said his defense has had its struggles this season, but Friday was the time when it all came together.
“We have been giving up points and long drives, but tonight the defense picked up six or seven turnovers,” he said.
The Cardinals came out and struck first when quarterback Jordan Simonelli found tight end Kohl Eggleston on a six-yard scoring pass. The Cards failed on their two-point conversion, but took a 6-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Trojans got into the end zone during the second quarter.
The Cardinals, though, had the advantage going into the locker room after Simonelli linked up with the leading Ohio Heritage Conference receiver Logan McCoy on a 24-yard pass.
Triad held a 12-7 lead at the break after a failed two-point conversion.
Winslow said prior to the game that he wanted to re-establish the run as Triad’s primary offensive weapon.
During the second half, the sideline boss had no other option as the Trojans adjusted to cover the Cardinals’ deep threats.
“We tried to throw to keep them on their toes early, but they pressed us in the second half,” said Winslow. “We had to re-establish our run game.”
The Cardinal coaching staff called on Coleman Hauck to help find the gaps in the Trojan defense.
Hauck was able to pick up 52 yards on the ground.
His most important contribution, though, came late in the final quarter when the Cardinals found themselves down by 14-12.
Hauck was able to punch the ball in from a yard out to give Triad the lift it needed to regain an 18-14 lead after a failed two-point attempt.
It was up to the defense to stop the Trojans’ final push in the waning minutes of the game.
The unit did not disappoint as it stopped a fourth down attempt deep in its own territory to take over the ball and win the game.
Winslow said his defense has been making little improvements all year, but said that Friday was when all those little things added up for the win.
“The defense is progressing every week,” he said. “The little things have been improving.”
The Cardinals improved their record to 2-3 and will return to action when they open up league play at West Liberty next week.