Lion Football Stuns UIW for First Head-to-Head Win, 52–45 Comeback Thriller

Photo courtesy of East Texas A&M

COMMERCE, Texas (TXAN 24) — The East Texas A&M Lions made history Saturday night, rallying from a 21-point deficit to beat Incarnate Word for the first time ever, 52–45, in a wild Southland Conference matchup at Gayle & Tom Benson Stadium.

Trailing 28–7 early in the second quarter, the Lions clawed their way back behind quarterback Eric Rodriguez and running back EJ Oakmon. With just 27 seconds left, Oakmon powered into the end zone off a backfield toss from Rodriguez to seal the comeback — capping a nine-play, 75-yard game-winning drive that took just 88 seconds.

Rodriguez, stepping in after starter Ron Peace left with an injury, threw for 193 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another score. Peace added 192 yards and two passing touchdowns before exiting. Oakmon led the ground attack with 45 yards and two scores, while receiver Paul Odidi posted nine catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, Kyree Anderson was everywhere — recording 12 tackles, a sack, 2.5 tackles for loss, and an interception.

The win snapped a six-game losing streak against UIW and marked a major turning point for the Lions, now 2–5 overall and 2–1 in Southland play.

East Texas A&M returns home next Saturday for Homecoming, presented by Brookshire’s, as they host Stephen F. Austin at 6 p.m.