Huskies fall to Cardinals in tough season closer

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 22, 2025) The HCU Huskies wrapped up their football season with a hard-fought loss to the Incarnate Word Cardinals by the score of 31-10 at Husky Stadium. Despite some bright spots, the Huskies couldn't overcome UIW's strong ground game and timely scores. This defeat capped a challenging year for HCU, ending with a 2-10 record overall and 1-7 in the Southland Conference.

The game started with promise for the Huskies. UIW struck first in the opening quarter, marching 63 yards in six plays. A penalty kept their drive alive, leading to a 33-yard catch by Josh Lorick and a 2-yard touchdown run by Jaylon Spears. That put the Cardinals up 7-0 early. But HCU fired right back. Quarterback Maddox Kopp led a sharp drive, mixing a 4-yard rush with a big 42-yard pass to Sam Peiffer. It ended with an 11-yard touchdown toss to Ja'Ryan Wallace, tying the game at 7-7 with 7:44 left in the first.

UIW wasn't done. Before the quarter ended, quarterback Richard Torres hit Chedon James for a 50-yard touchdown pass, giving the Cardinals a 14-7 edge. The second quarter saw UIW add to their lead with a steady 12-play drive, capped by a 33-yard field goal from Will Faris. The score sat at 17-7 at halftime after both teams' defenses stepped up with key stops.

The Huskies' defense shone in spots, but UIW pulled away in the third. The Cardinals drove from their own 15-yard line, mixing two 30-yard plays and a catch by James. A wildcat run by Jalen Walthall sparked life, and after a brief stall, a penalty gave them new chances. Spears powered in from 12 yards out for a 24-7 lead. HCU got a break when UIW fumbled a punt return, but they settled for a 22-yard field goal by Ryan Zuckert, making it 24-10.

In the fourth, UIW controlled the clock with a 10-play, 56-yard drive over more than six minutes. It finished with a 3-yard pass from Torres to Walthall, sealing the 31-10 win.

Standout Huskies included Kopp, who went 13-for-21 passing for 156 yards and one touchdown, plus a few rushes. Backup Jake Weir added 116 passing yards on 6-of-15. Wideout Ja'Ryan Wallace had a career-high day with three catches for 130 yards and his score. Running back Xai'Shaun Edwards rushed 12 times for 40 yards, closing out a record-breaking season with 1,019 total rushing yards—the first Husky to hit 1,000—and 12 touchdowns. On defense, linebacker Rodney Dansby led with 13 tackles, pushing his career total to 446, second all-time at HCU.

For UIW, Spears rushed for 93 yards and two scores, while Kobe Dillon added 110 yards on the ground. Torres was solid, 16-of-29 for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Lorick caught seven passes for 68 yards, and James had three for 83 yards and one score.