Lamar sports information

SAN ANTONIO – The Lamar Cardinals fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter and were never able to fully recover dropping a 33-24 decision at Incarnate Word on Saturday evening in Benson Stadium. The loss is the fourth straight for the Cardinals who fall to 1-5 on the year, and 0-4 Southland Conference play. UIW improved to 1-5 overall and 1-3 in the conference play.

UIW finished the night with 465 yards of total offense, while the Cardinals added 390. San Antonio’s version of the Cardinals were hurt by penalties. UIW was flagged 13 times for 139 yards.

Junior Darrel Colbert Jr. got the start and completed seven passes for 75 yards. He also carried the ball 15 times for 37 yards and a score. Senior Andrew Allen came on in the third quarter and provided a spark for the LU offense completing 13-of-21 passes for 200 yards and rushed for a touchdown.

“We talked about fighting hard, playing with courage and staying in this game,” said LU head coach Mike Schultz. “I felt like our kids came out in the second half and did just that. I know I keep saying it, but if we continue to play with that type of heart eventually this thing is going to turn around.”

Beaumont’s version of the Cardinals found themselves in an early 14-0 hole. UIW scored on its first two drives and held a 174-24 advantage over Big Red in yards of total after their first two drives.

The Cardinals defense settled down and didn’t allow UIW to add to its lead for the rest of the quarter. LU’s first points of the game came on a big play from the defense. The Red and White forced a fumble, which senior Manasseh Miles recovered on the UIW 26. Unfortunately LU couldn’t move the ball and had to settle from a 37-yard field goal off the leg of freshman Elvin Martinez.

The Cardinals second score was set up by a big play from junior Rodney Randle on special teams. Randle fielded a punt on his own 33 – a punt he initially bobbled – and returned the ball down to the UIW 31 yard line.

The 36-yard return set up the Cardinals first touchdown of the game. Following offensive and defensive pass interference, Colbert carried the ball from 5 yards out to pull LU within four, 14-10.

Big Red appeared to be heading into the locker room with all of the momentum but UIW’s Derrick Mitchell stole the momentum back when he carried the ball 74 yards for a score 61 seconds later to give the hosts a 10-point advantage heading into halftime.

UIW went into the locker room with an advantage in total offense outgaining the Red and White, 251-135. The hosts were hurt by mistakes in the opening half as they were penalized nine times for 110 yards.

Putting the end of the first half behind them, the Cardinals took the opening kick of the second half and drove the ball down the field to pull within three points, 20-17, following a 3-yard run from sophomore Kendrick King. The score capped an 11-play, 75-yard drive that took nearly 4 minutes off the clock.

UIW responded with a 12-play, 79-yard, drive to reclaim a 10-point advantage, 27-17. LU quickly responded on the first play of the next drive. Allen found Isaiah Howard over the middle for a 67-yard gain down to the UIW 8. Allen had the Cards in the end zone three plays later when he jumped over a defender for the score.

“Andrew did some smart things tonight,” said Schultz. “I thought he executed and made some nice throws. Andrew came in and did a good job for us. With Andrew and Darrel we feel very confident behind center. Both are good players and do a good job.”

After forcing their hosts to punt the ball away on consecutive possessions, the Cardinals had a golden opportunity to take their first lead of the game midway through the fourth quarter. LU got the ball back and moved the ball down to the UIW 2-yard line. Facing a fourth-and-goal from the 2, Allen’s pass was deflected in the end zone and picked off. Big Red’s defense held on the next series forcing UIW to settle for a 42-yard field goal attempt that was pushed wide left.

Beaumont’s version of the Cardinals were unable take advantage on the ensuing possession turning the ball over on downs. UIW closed out the game by tacking on one final score with less than a minute to play.

The Cardinals return to action Saturday, Oct. 21, when they travel to Huntsville to take on nationally ranked Sam Houston State. The game against the Bearkats will kick off at 3 p.m. from Bowers Stadium.