It’s nice to stroll into a bye week with your head held high.

The Cardinals extended their winning streak to five games with a smooth 42-7 win over the Madison Marlins.

Though the night started off to a slow start with a failed fourth down conversion in the red zone, consecutive penalties and a Madison forced fumble at the 10-yard line that led to a touchdown, the Cardinals picked their heads up and tightened their laces quickly. Offensive player of the game and junior running back Xzaviar Campbell broke the silence with a run to the Marlin’s 35 yard line. Junior quarterback Trevon Smith capitalized on the momentum shift on the next play with a 55-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Ryheem Malone to tie the game 7-7 in the second quarter.

Madison spent the next drive riddled with penalties, causing a three-and-out. Malone took advantage, returning the ball to the 43. Smith then found sophomore wide receiver Courtney Lark in the end zone, taking the lead 14-7.

That’s when the defense stepped in. Senior linebacker and defensive player of the game Brelynd Goods came up with a huge sack that would be the first of three on third down to push the Marlins back, leaving them with no other option but to punt. Bellaire immediately blocked the punt, resulting in fantastic field position. It was déjà vu from there with another pass to Lark in the end zone to make the game 21-7 at the end of the first half.

The Cardinals came out of the locker room fired up. In the first play of the third quarter, sophomore Kimmel Beauman caught a 42-yard pick six, extending the lead 28-7.

The defense stopped Madison at every turn in the second half, finishing the night with ten sacks and twelve tackles for loss, led by senior linebacker John Gregg who had three for himself.

From there on out, it was smooth sailing. Campbell ran 29 yards for a rushing touchdown with six minutes to go in the third quarter, and Malone had some fun of his own as he danced 90 yards down the field on a punt return for a touchdown. A then scoreless fourth quarter resulted in a final score of 42-7.

Offensive standouts included Cambpell who rushed for 142 yards in 13 carries, Smith who threw for 154 yards and rushed for 53 and Malone who rushed for 57 yards and received for 55.

Aside from Goods’ three sacks, seniors Randall Pipkin, Aaron Harris, Julio Lozano and Jesse Blackmon each had a sack.

There is no game next week, since the Cardinals have a bye. Enjoy the week off!