ABILENE, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word football team fell behind in the first half and never recovered as Abilene Christian picked up its first victory of the season, 52-27, on homecoming.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Cardinals (1-6, 1-4 SLC) took advantage of a short field after a Wildcat fumble early in the first quarter, tying the ballgame at seven apiece, but Abilene Christian (1-7, 1-5 SLC) responded with 31 unanswered points, bullying its way to a 38-7 halftime lead.
 
UIW was outgained, 350-86, over the first 30 minutes of play, and picked up just four first downs, compared to 20 by the Wildcats.
 
The second half was more productive offensively for the Cardinals, who scored 20 points and racked up 200 yards, but ACU matched UIW step for step, maintaining a steady advantage throughout the contest.
 
LEADERS
 
Trent Brittain finished 7-of-26 for 61 yards and an interception. Taylor Laird went 6-of-14 off the bench for 130 yards and a touchdown. Junior Sessions rushed for 51 yards on 10 carries, while Broderick Reeves pitched in 34 yards on 12 carries with a touchdown. Jamari Gilbert tallied 47 yards through the air with a score.
 
Dallas Sealey led the Wildcat offense, going 32-of-44 for 346 yards and five touchdowns. He also added 47 yards on the ground. De'Andre Brown contributed 57 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown. D.J. Fuller registered 98 yards on eight receptions with a touchdown.
 
Sean Hoeferkamp turned in a seven-tackle day, while Adrian Norwood had six tackles in the loss.
 
Sam Denmark led the Wildcat defense with nine tackles. Bryson Gates totaled six tackles and a sack.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals will next host Stephen F. Austin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29.
 
STAY TUNED
 
UIW will battle Southeastern La. for homecoming at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. The matchup will also serve as the squad's annual Military Appreciation Game.
 
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow UIW Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.