Cowboys Hang On For A 42-35 Win

McNeese took a 42-14 lead into the 4th quarter, but had to hang on for a 42-35 win over Incarnate Word last night in San Antonio. The Pokes are now 2-2 on the season and 1-1 in Southland Conference play. The Cowboys are now 3-0 all time vs UIW.

The Cowboys fell behind in the 1st quarter 7-0. McNeese then scored 28 straight before the Cardinals cut the lead to 28-14 in the 2nd. After the second UIW touchdown, Khalil Thomas returned the kickoff 97 yards to give McNeese a 35-14 lead at the half. The kickoff return was the 2nd longest in school history. Early in the 3rd, Christian Jacobs scooped up a Cardinal fumble and returned it 22 yards to make it 42-14. In the 4th, the Cowboys turned the ball over twice helping UIW to cut the lead to 7 with 1:36 left. McNeese recovered the onside kick to run out the clock.

James Tabary set a school record with his 4th straight 200 plus yard passing game to open a season. He finished with 14 completions on 20 attempts for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ryan Ross rushed for 63 yards on 14 carries and a score. Darious Crawley had another good night catching the football with 4 catches for 132 yds with an 85 yard TD catch and run. Kent Shelby ran his consecutive catch streak to 18 games.

The Cowboys return home next Saturday evening to host the improved Nicholls State Colonels. Kickoff is at 6.