BEAUMONT, Texas – For the first time since the 2019 season (at No. 24 Sam Houston), Lamar University has defeated a nationally ranked opponent. The Cardinals defense came up with a goal-line stand with less than two minutes remaining, and then with seconds on the clocked forced the Wildcats to line up for a 40-yard field goal which was missed preserving a one-point victory, 17-16.
 
In addition to the late game heroics, junior defensive lineman Christian Booker blocked a 44-yard field goal attempt off the foot of Kyle Thompson in the third quarter holding on to the one-point advantage.
 
The win marks the Cardinals first 2-1 start since 2021 as Lamar has opened the current three-game homestand with a 2-0 record.
 
Lamar finished the game with 385 yards of total offense – 203 rushing yards – while holding the Wildcats to 331.
 
Senior running back Khalan Griffin had another strong outing for the Cardinals pounding out 91 yards on 21 carries, while quarterback Robert Coleman added 63 yards on five carries (with a long of 27). Coleman was 6-of-14 for 61 yards with an interception but was forced out of the lineup. Jakolby Longino came on in reserve and completed 5-of-6 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns, including a 72-yard connection to running back Damien Moore. Longino carried the ball six times for 20 yards.
 
The defense was led by Dejuan Lewis who recorded a game-high 11 tackles – including six solo stops – and forced a fumble. Seniors Ramond Stevens and Jaymond Jackson each added eight tackles.
 
The game was a battle in the trenches with neither defense allowing things to be easy on its opponent. The Cardinals would strike first with a 23-yard field goal from Chris Esqueda to take a 3-0 lead midway through the first. The 3-0 lead would hold until the 7:20 mark of the second quarter when Longino threaded the needle on a pass to Sevonne Rhea in the back of the end zone from seven yards out. Rhea made the catch – one of four receptions for the senior on the night – despite having a Wildcat draped all over his back for the interference call.
 
After building a 10-point lead, the Wildcats responded quickly with the game's next three scores to tie the game at 10 heading into the locker room and eventually take a 16-10 lead (following a missed PAT).
 
The Cardinals had an answer, and the fans didn't have to wait long for it. Just 2:14 later, Longino hit Moore who caught a short pass to the right side of the field and carried it 72 yards down the near sideline for the team's longest reception of the season.
 
The Cardinals defense, and special teams, would make the lead hold despite some heart-pounding moments which would include a blocked 44-yard field goal attempt with 5:02 on the clock, a goal line stand with less than two minutes to play and Weber State's potential game-winning field goal which sailed wide left as time expired.
 
The Cardinals will look to close out the homestand with a perfect 3-0 record Saturday when Texas Southern comes to town. The game against the Tigers will kick off at 6 p.m. from Provost Umphrey Stadium. It will be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 and streamed live on ESPN+.