SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word football team earned its first conference win of the 2023 season behind a two-turnover, nine-point game from the Cardinal defense that led to the 33-26 victory over Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) on Saturday night.
 
Tre Richardson (11) and Tylan Foster (12) both had double-digit tackles to go along with Brandon Richard's interception and fumble recovery for a two-point conversion, and Mason Chambers fumble recovery for a touchdown.
 
The Cardinals scored on the Lions' first drive of the game off of a forced fumble by Steven Parker, allowing Mason Chambers to scoop the ball and run 60 yards to the house for a quick 7-0 lead for UIW.
 
SLU marched 70 yards down the field, but the Cardinal defense stood strong. Tre Richardson tugged at the heels of SLU's wide receiver pulling him down for a crucial pass breakup, while Parker hurried the Lion's QB. SLU settled for a field goal to bring the score to 7-3.
 
Zach Calzada was intercepted at the SLU 39, but the Lions were not able to capitalize as the score remained to end the first quarter.
 
Brandon Porter broke out for 72 yards to put UIW at the 7-yard line before Caleb Chapman caught the touchdown pass from Calzada over the heads of the Lions (14-3).
 
The Lions found themselves in the red zone once more midway through the second quarter but were forced into a 31-yard field goal, cutting the lead to 14-6.
 
UIW responded by going on a 70-yard, nine-play drive which was capped off by Calzada finding a wide-open Porter in the back of the end zone for his second passing touchdown of the day to push the Cardinal lead to 21-6. 
 
The Cardinals took the Lions off guard and converted an onside kick to get the ball back on the 46-yard line. UIW quickly found themselves in a fourth & three situation. Thanks to a SLU offside penalty the Cardinals were back in position to score going into the half. After Calzada dropped another dime to Porter, UIW was set up for a chip-shot field goal, and led 24-6 at the break.
 
The second half was just as hectic as the first. On their first drive, Southeastern drove down the field but missed its field goal. On the following play UIW fumbled giving the Lions back the ball. SLU was able to find the end zone for the first time on the next play, on an eight-yard rush cutting the Cardinal lead to 11 (24-13).
 
After forcing a turnover on downs, Southeastern quickly made their way down the field and scored its second touchdown of the game. The Lions decided to go for two in hopes of making it a three-point game. Parker once again was in the backfield, forcing a bad pitch, resulting in a fumble recovered by Brandon Richard for two points for UIW.
 
UIW scored on the ensuing drive putting them up 33-19.
 
To start the fourth, SLU went on a drive lasting 7:21 minutes that resulted in a turnover on downs.
 
The Cardinals turned the ball over two plays later, leading to another SLU touchdown and a seven-point game, 33-26.
 
UIW went three-and-out, punting for the first time in the game and leaving the door open for the Lions. SLU was able to make progress down the field but ultimately threw an interception with 43 seconds left, sealing a 33-26 victory for the Cardinals.
 
FOLLOW ALONG  
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on, and like UIW Athletics on Facebook.   
Follow the team on Twitter @UIWFootball and Instagram @uiw_football.