Nicholls football Head Coach Tim Rebowe went to running back Jaylon Spears early in the Colonels 55-10 loss to the University of the Incarnate Word.

The freshly healthy running back received four touches on the opening drive, three rushes and one reception.

Spears secured two first downs on a nine minute long opening drive that ultimately ended in three points for the Colonels after three failed wildcat rushes.

UIW responded quickly, capping off a four minute drive with a 30-yard passing touchdown from quarterback Zach Calzada into the hands of Lontrell Turner.

Nicholls took the ball back at the Cardinal 31 yard-line hoping for another long scoring drive, but those hopes were short lived.

On the opening play of the drive Incarnate Word’s Mister Williams forced a fumble from Spears that fellow Cardinal Lloyd Johnson recovered and returned 33 yards for the Cardinals’ second touchdown.

Nicholls quarterback Pat McQuaide’s interception on third down of the ensuing Colonel drive ensured the Cardinals took momentum.

After forcing a punt on the following Cardinal drive the Colonels recovered Calzada’s fumble at the opposing 25 yard-line.

McQuaide started the drive with a 12-yard pass to receiver Christian McNees and ended it with an 8-yard touchdown pass to receiver Scrappy Osborne.

Incarnate Word’s response came swiftly, the Cardinals scoring less than three minutes later with Calzada’s second touchdown pass.

Incarnate Word ended the half on a high note, scoring a fourth touchdown with 35 seconds remaining after the teams followed the Cardinals’ third touchdown with three consecutive punts.

The Colonel’s came out of the half with a renewed sense of optimism, but consecutive touchdowns from the Cardinal offense siphoned that confidence from the Colonels.

Incarnate Word closed out the game with two fourth quarter touchdowns, scoring 41 unanswered points after the Colonels scored their only touchdown.

The Colonels return home on Saturday, Oct. 19 to battle the Northwestern State University Demons.