Colson’s 3 TDs lift UIW past Lamar 24-17

BEAUMONT, Texas – Quarterback EJ Colson delivered an explosive first-half performance, throwing three touchdown passes, to propel the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Cardinals to a crucial 24-17 Southland Conference victory over the Lamar University Cardinals this past Saturday, October 28th. The contest, played at Provost Umphrey Stadium, saw UIW establish an early lead before fending off a spirited second-half comeback attempt by the home team.

The win improves UIW’s overall record to 6-2 and 4-1 in Southland Conference play, keeping them firmly in contention for the conference title. Lamar drops to 4-5 overall and 3-3 in the conference.

Colson, a sophomore signal-caller, wasted no time igniting the UIW offense. He connected with wide receiver Brandon Richard for a 12-yard touchdown pass at the 7:16 mark of the first quarter, giving UIW an early 7-0 lead. Just two minutes later, Colson found senior wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant on a deep route, resulting in a massive 46-yard score that extended the advantage to 14-0. Lamar managed to get on the board before the end of the first quarter with a 7-yard run from Andrew Mitchell, narrowing the deficit to 14-7.

“EJ set the tone early for us,” said UIW Head Coach Eric Taylor. “He was sharp, confident, and put the ball exactly where it needed to be. Our offense fed off that energy, and it was critical to get those points on the board against a tough Lamar defense.”

The Colson-Sturdivant connection proved potent again early in the second quarter. At the 11:38 mark, the duo linked up for another 12-yard touchdown pass, pushing UIW’s lead to 21-7. Lamar responded with a 27-yard field goal from Chris O’Connell before halftime, bringing the score to 21-10 at the break.

In the third quarter, UIW kicker Carson Mohr added a 29-yard field goal, extending the lead to 24-10.

Lamar mounted a determined push in the fourth quarter. Running back KJ Miller found the end zone on a 1-yard run at the 8:44 mark, tightening the game to 24-17 and setting up a tense finish for the crowd of 8,745 fans.

However, UIW’s defense delivered the decisive blow. With just under three minutes left to play and Lamar driving deep into Cardinals territory, junior safety Marcus Cooper made a clutch interception at UIW’s own 5-yard line, shutting down Lamar’s final drive and effectively sealing the victory.

“Our defense practices those high-pressure situations,” Cooper stated after the game. “I just read Purdy’s eyes and trusted my instincts. It was a total team effort to close it out when it mattered most.”

Colson finished the day completing 19 of 29 passes for 255 yards and his three touchdowns. Sturdivant was his top target, hauling in 8 catches for a game-high 153 yards and his two scores. Sophomore quarterback Zach Calzada also saw some action under center for UIW, adding 98 passing yards. Overall, Incarnate Word amassed 461 total yards of offense.

Lamar’s offense, led by quarterback Chubba Purdy, managed 337 total yards. Purdy threw for 191 yards but was held without a touchdown pass.

“We knew coming into this game how important it was for conference standings,” Colson commented. “We executed our game plan well, especially in the first half. Lamar’s a tough team, and we had to battle to the very end.”

Lamar Head Coach David Wallace acknowledged his team’s effort. “We showed a lot of grit fighting back in the second half. We just dug ourselves too big of a hole early on. UIW is a very talented team, and we’ll learn from this and prepare for next week.”

Incarnate Word will return home next Saturday, November 4th, to host Houston Christian in another pivotal Southland Conference showdown. Lamar will look to rebound on the road against Northwestern State.