Rallying from a 27-14 deficit in the final 12:37, the Cardinals pulled out a 28-27 win against Tyler Junior College in their SWJCFC opener Saturday night at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium.

After the Apaches had taken the 13-point advantage on a 29-yard touchdown pass, the Cardinals quickly reversed momentum when Channing Canada took the ensuing kickoff back 97 yards for a score. Jake Gaster's PAT had the Cardinals back in business at 27-21 with 12:22 remaining.

The Cardinals scored what proved to be the game-winner, going on an 80-yard drive, capped by a one-yard Quincy Thompson plunge with 8:13 to go. A 55-yard pass connection from Darion Peace to Hymond Drinkard out of the backfield set up the score.

The Cardinal defense then did its part with big stop after big stop, resulting in the Apaches lining up for a 51-yard field goal attempt in the final minute. The attempt never materialized due to a bad snap.

Game over.

Thompson rushed 24 times and 130 yards and two touchdowns.

Peace completed 14-of-24 passes for 214 yards.

Ten different Cardinals caught passes.

Zayteak McGhee and McCoy Casey had huge games for the Cardinal defense with 13 and 10 tackles, respectively. Rashad Onezime and Joe Sniffin had eight each.

The Cardinals (2-1) are scheduled to travel Saturday to Cisco for a 7 p.m. kickoff.