SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word football team secured the best start in program history Saturday night with a 49-21 victory over Houston Baptist University.
 
The Cardinals, 6-2 overall and 4-1 in Southland Conference play, continue to set new program standards.
 
Quarterback Cameron Ward threw four touchdown passes bringing his season total to 26 as he broke his own single season touchdown pass record of 24 set last year in the shortened six-game season.
 
Ward marched the Cardinals down the field on their first drive completing eight of nine passes before connecting with Robert Ferrel on a 2-yard touchdown pass.  Carson Mohr's PAT gave the Cardinals a 7-0 lead. Kevin Brown's 14-yard rush set up a 2-yard touchdown pass from Ward to Ferrel as UIW took a 7-0 lead with 9:46 remaining in the first quarter.
 
After getting a quick stop, the Cardinals took over at their own 13-yard line. Ward completed a 15-yard pass to Ferrel and an 18-yard pass to Darion Chafin as the Cardinals continued to drive.  The Cardinals then gave Brown three straight carries as they moved into Houston Baptist territory. Brown found the endzone from 28 yards out extending the Cardinals' lead 13-0.  Mohr's PAT gave the Cardinals a 14-0 advantage with 3:30 remaining in the first quarter.
 
Ward found Ferrel for another UIW touchdown and the Huskies answered with a touchdown of their own to make the score 21-7. With under a minute on the clock, Ward connected with Chafin for a 1-yard touchdown pass that extended the Cardinals lead 28-7 as the teams headed to the locker room.
 
HBU struck first in the second half as Xzavier Ford had a 10-yard rush to cut the lead to 28-14. Ward answered with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Roger McCuller with six minutes left in the third quarter.
 
Sam Latham sacked HBU's Orion Olivas for a loss of 14 yards giving the Cardinals field position at HBU's 31-yard line. Marcus Cooper rushed for 14 yards into the endzone for another UIW touchdown to end the third quarter 42-14.
 
The Huskies recovered a fumble at the start of the fourth for an HBU touchdown. At 11:30, HBU got called for pass interference and Marcus Cooper rushed for seven yards into the endzone for the last touchdown of the night.
 
This win over Houston Baptist marks the fiftieth win since the football program began in 2009.  
 
UP NEXT
The Cardinals host No. 9 Southeastern Louisiana for their last home game this season. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium.
 
The best way to experience Cardinal football is by purchasing tickets through the UIW ticket office. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.uiwcardinals.com/tickets or by calling the UIW ticket office directly at 210-805-3000
 
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook. 
Follow the team on Twitter @UIWFootball and on Instagram @uiw_football.