SAN ANTONIO -- University of the Incarnate Word football debuted its 2018 team in front of a record-breaking Spring Game crowd on Saturday afternoon during the annual Red and White Spring Game.
 
Fans enjoyed free food from Cheesy Jane's prior to the game. After the Cardinals warmed up, the White offense and Red defense squared off, showcasing a fast-tempo offense and a much-improved defense.
 
UIW alternated between plays from scrimmage and special teams plays.
 
The Cardinals open the 2018 season at New Mexico on Sept. 1.
 
To purchase tickets to any home event, contact Ticket Sales Coordinator Alma Lara at 210-805-3012.
 
Hear from head coach Eric Morris
On the spring overall…
"The spring was good. I think the kids are buying into the culture change that we are trying to bring. They are doing all of the little things that we are asking. It's pretty tough to get them up at the hours that we do. They are full time students and still put in all the work in the weight room and on the field for us, but they are buying into what we are preaching. Now we just need to gain some confidence going into the season. Winning cures everything, and that's the ultimate goal, winning football games."
 
On today's Spring game…
"Today's game was good. The offense started fast and scored two points early, and the defense responded well and did some things nicely to shut us down at the end. I thought we did good things on both sides, but ultimately we did some bad things on each side as well, so we'll watch the film and get it corrected and make some adjustments for the fall."
 
Hear from QB Sean Brophy
On his excitement for the season…
"We have a lot of new guys coming in this summer, some high school guys and some junior college guys, so camp is going to be super competitive. I love the new energy that's been brought with the new staff. We competed all spring both in the weight room and on the field. There were some ups and downs today for both sides of the ball, which is good. Collectively, as a team, I thought we've come together more in the last three or four months. I'm excited about the fall. It's going to be a grind this summer working out with coach [Bret] Huth and then come camp it's going to be go-time. There's going to be a lot of new faces so we are really going to rev it up then."
 
Hear from ILB Mar'kel Cooks
On the differences with this year's team…
"Our tempo, speed and work ethic are better. It starts in the weight room. Our strength coach is driving us hard. He's working hard every day and it starts with him. Then we come out to practice and try to go as hard as we can every day."
 
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