Lamar Cardinals Edge Past East Texas A&M in Thrilling Finish
COMMERCE – In a dramatic showdown at Ernest Hawkins Field, the No. 20/24 ranked Lamar Cardinals secured a last-minute victory over the East Texas A&M University Lions, triumphing 33-23 on Saturday night. This thrilling contest showcased perseverance, strategic plays, and a nail-biting finish, keeping fans on the edge of their seats right to the end.
A Contest of Momentum
From the outset, the game was a back-and-forth battle, showcasing the strength and determination of both teams. The Lions initially took command, showcasing an offensive strategy that built a formidable lead early on. Notably, Kyree Anderson from Cy-Lakes set the tone with a forced fumble, which he scooped up for a 29-yard touchdown, giving the Lions an early 7-0 lead.
The first quarter ended with East Texas A&M leading 10-0, thanks to a 38-yard field goal from Ozlo Rigby (Panama City, Fla.). This momentum was a testament to the Lions’ disciplined execution and hard-nosed defense, making it clear they weren’t here to back down.
Cardinal Resilience
However, the Cardinals, known for their tenacity and skill, began making their presence felt in the second quarter. Ben Woodard kicked a 21-yard field goal, igniting a rally that would prove crucial. Rigby’s contributions continued as he nailed a 20-yard field goal, followed by another 26-yarder just before halftime, putting the pressure back on the Lions.
This constant tug-of-war created an electrifying atmosphere as both teams showcased their strengths. Despite the Cardinals trailing at halftime, their momentum began to shift, foreshadowing the intense second half that awaited.
A Come-From-Behind Victory
As the third quarter unfolded, Lamar continued to creep back into contention. A 42-yard field goal from Woodard closed the gap further. But the Lions quickly responded, with Ron Peace (Malakoff) executing a swift eight-play drive that included a six-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to ten again.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Cardinals faced a daunting 23-13 deficit. The stakes were high, but instead of faltering, the Cardinals began their comeback. Josh Robinson’s four-yard rushing touchdown with just nine minutes remaining ignited their charge, bringing the score to 23-20 and instilling hope into the hearts of their fans.
The Final Excitement
With only seconds left on the clock, the Cardinals engineered a final drive. A critical Lion penalty allowed the Cardinals extra possessions, and Aiden McCowan’s exceptional pass to Kyndon Fuselier for a five-yard touchdown completed the comeback, sending the Cardinals ahead 26-23. The twist? On the ensuing kickoff, Ronnie Hamrick II capitalized on a Lions’ fumble, scoring a nine-yard touchdown and sealing the game with a final score of 33-23.
Statistical Highlights
The game saw both teams racking up impressive statistics:
- Total Offense: Lions had 329 yards on 65 plays; Cardinals gained 348 yards on 67 plays.
- Quarterback Performances: Peace completed 20 of 31 passes for 214 yards, while McCowan was outstanding with 24 completions on 33 attempts, throwing for 285 yards and clinching the game-winning touchdown.
Defensively, both teams exhibited fierce competitiveness, with Lavon Williams (San Antonio – Roosevelt) and Koby-Sebasyen King (Houston – Summer Creek) each recording nine tackles for the Lions, showcasing their defensive resilience.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, the Lamar Cardinals improve to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in Southland Conference play. The Lions, despite their honorable performance, fell to 1-5, with their eyes set on bouncing back.
Next on the schedule for the Lions is a challenging matchup against defending champions UIW on October 18 at 4:30 p.m. This game promises to be another exciting opportunity for the team to demonstrate its growth and competitive spirit.
For Fans
Stay tuned for more updates, highlights, and in-depth analyses of your favorite teams as the season progresses. Don’t miss the chance to catch the next game on ESPN+ and the Lion Sports Network, as excitement ramps up in the coming weeks!