LEBANON, Tenn.--Union blanks Cumberland as the Bulldogs come to Nokes-Lasater and spoil the season opener. 

The Union Bulldogs came to Lebanon and stun a big crowd. Union put up 349 yards of offense and held the Phoenix to under 200 yards with three takeaways. 

Cumberland struggled to find a rhythm on offense and when they were able to move the ball down the field, the Union defense stepped up and forced a turnover or came away with a takeaway. 

The defense started the game well forcing an opening three and out. Cumberland's first play from scrimmage Luke Holloway's pass was batted at the line and intercepted. The defense again stepped up stopping the Bulldogs on 4th and short inside the Cumberland 15. However, a three-and out and a punt block set up a five-yard touchdown pass to put Union up in 7-0 in the first. 

The ensuing possession, Cumberland was driving down field and ended up on their own 38-yard line on 4th and 6. The Phoenix elected to go for it and Holloway scampered for what was a near first down. Coach Tim Mathis challenged the spot on the field, but the call stood and was a Cumberland turnover on downs. 

Three plays later, Union quarterback Walker Russell found Tony Norman for a 60-yard pitch and catch to grow the lead to 14-0 at the end of the first. 

In the second quarter, Jalen Brown intercepted a pass at the line of scrimmage to swing some momentum Cumberland's way. The Phoenix drove down into the red zone eyeing the end zone. On third and goal, Holloway threw a pass over the middle that was picked off, shutting the drive down where the score stood 14-0 going into half. 

At the end of the third quarter, the Union lead grew to 20-0 after a Russell threw a jump ball that Isaiah Johnson went up and snagged. The point after try was blocked by Kion Threalkill.

Russell threw his fourth touchdown pass of the game in the fourth quarter. This time he found Quinn Carter in the corner of the endzone, where the final score would sit at 27-0. 

Dez Wallace, Derek Taylor, and Threalkill, each making their Cumberland debut, tied for the team lead with six tackles. 

The Phoenix will be on the road next week as they travel to Florida to take on Webber International. The Cumberland Sports Network crew will make the trip to call the game. The game can be heard on WANT FM 98.9 and WCOR AM 1490.