LOUISVILLE, Ky. — No game is more important than the first game for a first-year head coach. It’s about making an impression, a statement and getting off to the right foot. Even more important for Kentucky head coach Joker Phillips, it was about proving the decision to make him Rich Brooks’ successor was the right call, ensuring the transition was smooth and generating some momentum.Consider the Joker Phillips off to a good start with Kentucky 23-16 win over Louisville on Saturday at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. The win marked the Cats’ fourth straight victory over the Cardinals, the first time either team has won fourth straight games since the rivalry was renewed in 1994.”I’m excited for this program,” Phillips said after his first career win as head coach. “It’s not so much Joker Phillips. For us to have a great season, we have to win this game. We could still have a good season if we would have lost, but to have a great season, you have to win this game.” Phillips and the players emphasized this week the importance of this week’s game. To do special things in 2010 and move up the bowl ladder, UK has to take care of its nonconference games. The first one might have been the most difficult to conquer. Now the Cats can move forward to their next two nonconference games with momentum and plenty of confidence.”More than anything, we did it for our team,” senior defensive end DeQuin Evans said. “I wouldn’t say the win was just for Coach Joker or any coach or anybody individually. We did it for the University of Kentucky football team, to get us started off on the right track. … It gives us good courage and it gives us a level head going into our next game.”