HAMMOND – The first game out of the state of Texas for the UIW Cardinals was a success as they defeated No. 23 Southeastern Louisana 27-21 at Strawberry Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The win is the second straight against a ranked opponent and the third consecutive win for the Cardinals overall, who moved into second place in the Southland Conference standings.
UIW’s defense led the way, forcing six turnovers and turning them into points. Isiah Paul gave the Cardinals the 10-7 lead in the second quarter when he picked off the Lions quarterback and returned the ball 45 yards to the end zone. UIW extended their lead later in the quarter when Jon Copeland found Jaelin Campbell for a 28-yard touchdown reception, putting the Cards up 17-7.
Southeastern Louisana struck back just before halftime when Cole Kelley ran it in from one-yard out for the score, making it a 17-14 game going into the second half.
Ashton Preston recorded his second interception of the game and set up another scoring drive for UIW. Copeland took the Cardinals downfield, capping off a nine-play, 62-yard drive with a field goal. The Cardinals extended their lead as Copeland connected with Lamont Johnson on a 21-yard score and a 27-14 lead.
Copeland completed 14-of-27 passes for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns on the afternoon.
The home team answered back with a nine-play, 84-yard drive, which was capped off with a Marcus Cooper touchdown. The Lions would try for one last score but UIW’s defense held on for the big win.
UP NEXT:
The UIW Cardinals are now 4-2 (3-1, SLC) on the season and will return home to welcome Lamar (4-3, 2-2) to Benson Stadium at 4 p.m. next Saturday.
