First-year head coach Mark Comfort has led Sabine to a 2-0 start, the Cardinals' first since 2003.

Friday night at Waskom, Sabine aims for its first 3-0 start in a decade.

"The key to the whole thing was the offseason last year and the job done by the kids, and coaches getting them ready for this year," said Comfort, a longtime defensive coordinator at Longview, Pine Tree, and Spring Hill. "The way the kids came out for two-a-days and got after it, they seem to be very together right now."

Sabine, which went 0-10 a year ago, opened 2012 with a 34-18 win against Ore City and followed that with a 36-20 victory against Emory Rains. The Cardinals' two victories match how many they won the last two seasons combined (2-18). Qwaylen Chumley has 263 rushing yards and five touchdowns averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Jared Streeter has gained 98 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns averaging 5.8 yards per carry.

But Comfort said another aspect of the Cardinals' first two games has helped them to the fast start.

"The biggest thing happening on the field helping us game-wise is the turnovers," Comfort said. "A decline in offensive turnovers and an increase in defensive turnovers, getting the ball in our possession."

Sabine has definitely excelled at that. The Cardinals have forced 18 fumbles in two games, recovering eight to give their running game the ball back. Aaron Montalvo, Dylan Cook, and Brandon Florence have two fumble recoveries apiece. Chumley leads the Cardinals with 15 tackles and two sacks.

Sabine will play on the road for the first time this season when it visits Waskom, which is 1-0 following a 39-0 season-opening win against Simms Bowie and a bye last week. A win gives Sabine its first 3-0 start since 2002, which was also the last time the Cardinals had a winning season (6-4).

Comfort said he doesn't think the Cardinals are complacent after the strong start.

"I don't think they're satisfied right now. They've come out and had three really good days (of practice this week)," Comfort said. "If we execute, I think we've got a good chance. But they've got great athletes over there (at Waskom)."

 

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