SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word football team defeated Stephen F. Austin (SFA), 35-28, in a dramatic overtime contest in the NCAA FCS First Round. This secured the first playoff win in program history and the first overtime victory in UIW's Division I history. 
 
The Cardinals got the ball first to start overtime, and Cameron Ward took just two plays to score. He hit Taylor Grimes on a 19-yard pass to give the Cardinals first-and-goal before finding Robert Ferrel all by himself in the end zone to give UIW a 35-28 advantage. It was all up to the defense, then, and they were up for the challenge. On fire the entire game, the defense maintained its intensity in the OT period. The Cardinals forced SFA into a fourth-and-four situation before Kelechi Anylebechi rushed the SFA quarterback, securing the UIW victory.

Ward led UIW with 328 passing yards against the Lumberjack defense. UIW had two Cardinals with 100-plus receiving yards. Ferrel caught 14 passes for 100 yards and Grimes snagged 10 passes for 118 yards. Anyalebechi led the Cardinal defense with 13 total tackles. Elliot Davison had a big-time performance with two interceptions, the first time a Cardinal has had multiple interceptions in a playoff game in program history. 
 
The Cardinals came out strong to start the game, scoring with a quick, four-yard touchdown pass from Ward to Grimes to give UIW the lead in the first quarter.  The Cardinal defense came up big, holding the Lumberjacks scoreless and keeping UIW's 7-0 advantage heading into the second quarter. 
 
The Lumberjacks ended the first quarter in the red zone and added to the board to start the second quarter, drawing even with the Cardinals. UIW answered on the next drive with a six-yard rushing touchdown from Ward. SFA answered to tie the game at 14-all heading into halftime. 
 
UIW came out of the break and regained the lead in the third quarter when Ward found Grimes for a 23-yard TD to put the Cardinals up 21-14 heading to the final 15 minutes of regulation. 
 
SFA responded, scoring two touchdowns to take its first advantage of the game. With 38 seconds left in regulation, Ward found Grimes for another touchdown, this time a seven-yarder, to take the Lumberjacks to overtime. 
 
The Cardinals went on to secure the victory, 35-28, in a dramatic overtime win.
 
The Cardinals travel to Huntsville, Texas to face No. 1 Sam Houston State University on Saturday, Dec. 4. This will be the first time in program history the Cardinals make it to the second round of the NCAA FCS Playoffs. 
 
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