Trinity Valley’s running backs by committee gashed the Apaches defense for more than 400 yards rushing en route to a 65-41 victory over Tyler Junior College on Saturday.
It was an offensive explosion at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium as the two top 10 teams met - No. 5 Trinity Valley (6-1, 4-1 Southwest Junior College Football Conference) and No. 7 Tyler (4-2, 3-2).
The Cardinals had 458 yards rushing, led by Le’vonte Owens (12-130, TD), Cedric Battle (8-112, TD) and Adam Berryman (9-95, 2TDs).
TVCC had a total of 780 yards.
Quarterback Michael Curtis hit on 16 of 32 for 262 yards and two touchdowns. Backup QB Shelton Eppler had two TD passes.
TJC also had good yardage with 651 yards - 381 passing and 270 rushing.
Tyler QB McLane Carter hit on 26 of 46 for 339 yards and TD passes of 38 and 49 to Joseph Ward, 13 to Edrick Gonzales and 11 to Savon Rollison. Carter, the former Gilmer standout, also scored on a 27-yard dash.
The other Tyler TD came on a fumble recovery in the end zone by Justin Carr.
TJC’s CJ Thomas had nine catches for 114 yards.
Fua Sapoi led the Apaches in rushing with 82 yards on nine attempts.
In other Juco scores, Navarro beat Kilgore 52-45, New Mexico Military beat Blinn 45-31, Arkansas Baptist defeated Cisco 12-7 and Coffeyville (Kansas) won over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M 43-31.
SMOKE SIGNALS: The Apaches travel to Roswell, New Mexico next Saturday to meet New Mexico Military Institute. Kickoff is 2 p.m. (Mountain Time). ... TVCC plays host to Kilgore College at Bruce Field in Athens on Saturday. Kickoff for homecoming is 3 p.m.