NATCHITOCHES, La. (Interstat) — In a game that was anything but a statistical certainty, the Incarnate Word Cardinals delivered a commanding and one-sided performance, routing the Northwestern State Demons 38 to 3 on Saturday at Turpin Stadium.

The final score defied both the pregame spread, which had Northwestern State as a 24.5-point favorite, and the projected high-scoring affair from Interstat’s game simulator, which had predicted a 42 to 36 shootout. Instead, the Cardinals dominated from the opening drive, improving their season record to 4-6, while the Demons fell to a dismal 1-9.

Incarnate Word quarterback EJ Colson, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound junior from Byron, Georgia, orchestrated the offensive onslaught with precision. He completed 22 of 28 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns, efficiently dissecting the Demons’ defense without committing a turnover.

His primary target was receiver Jalen Walthall, who proved to be unstoppable. Walthall hauled in nine receptions for 178 yards and both of Colson’s touchdown passes. His 46-yard scoring catch in the second quarter was a highlight-reel play that showcased the offensive firepower the Cardinals possessed all afternoon.

The ground game was equally potent, led by running back Timothy Carter. The 6-foot, 215-pound back from Miami Gardens, Florida, exploded for 141 rushing yards on just 11 carries, scoring two touchdowns. His most electrifying run was a 68-yard dash to the end zone in the third quarter that effectively put the game out of reach. Kobe Dillon supplemented the rushing attack with 70 yards on 10 carries and added a receiving touchdown.

The Cardinals’ offense was relentless from the start, scoring 14 points in each of the first two quarters to build a 28 to 3 halftime lead that the Demons never threatened. They added another seven points in the third and a final field goal in the fourth to complete the scoring.

Northwestern State’s struggles were comprehensive. The offense, led by quarterback Abram Johnston, who completed 12 of 19 passes for 99 yards, could not sustain drives. The Demons managed only a 28-yard field goal from Grayson Lytton in the first quarter after a promising drive stalled at the Incarnate Word 11-yard line. That early score provided a brief moment of hope, cutting the deficit to 7 to 3, but it was all the points the home team would muster.

The Demons’ offense was plagued by negative plays, with Johnston being sacked five times for a total loss of 31 yards. The running game, led by Jeremiah James’ 45 yards, showed flashes but was inconsistent. Receiver Ty Moore provided one of the few bright spots with two catches for 71 yards, including a 56-yard reception that set up the team’s lone field goal.

With the offense stymied, Northwestern State’s punters were busy. Zack Stone, a 6-3 sophomore from Norman, Oklahoma, punted seven times for 297 yards, repeatedly trying to flip field position. Conversely, Incarnate Word’s punter, Ryan Shamburger, only needed to punt twice for 71 yards, a testament to his team’s offensive efficiency.

The Incarnate Word defense was suffocating, consistently pressuring Johnston and limiting big plays. They forced the Demons into numerous third-and-long situations and prevented Northwestern State from ever finding an offensive rhythm.

The victory gives Incarnate Word momentum as they look to reach .500 for the season. They will host Southeastern Louisiana next Saturday. Northwestern State, mired in a lengthy losing streak, will travel to face Nicholls State next Saturday as they search for answers and their second win of the year.