LEBANON, Tenn.--The Phoenix open up the Mid-South Conference schedule tomorrow against long-time rival Campbellsville. 

The Phoenix and Tigers have met each year since the football program restarted in 1990 with the Phoenix holding a slight edge in the series history winning 17 of the 33 matchups. Cumberland has won the last four meetings coming into this season including setting a new program scoring record with 65 points last season.

This year both teams come in on a two-game win streak heading into an important conference tilt. The Phoenix come off a 50-6 beating against Kentucky Christian and are fresh off of their second bye week in three weeks. The Phoenix had the offense rolling against the Knights going for 521 yards of offense and rushing for 385. 

Running back Treylon Sheppard is now up to 341 yards on the ground this season and two touchdowns.  Over the last two games, quarterback Luke Holloway has completed 17-of-26 (65.3%) passes for 231 yards with a touchdown while also rushing for 121 yards and two scores. Freshman Nate Stephens has emerged as the leading target for Holloway hauling in nine catches this season and the only receiver over 100 yards. 

The Cumberland defense is holding opposing teams to 15.3 points per game giving up just 251 yards per game. The Phoenix have forced seven turnovers this season picking up three in both of the wins. 

Freshman Joey Samples now leads the team in tackles from his interior defensive line position. Samples had a big game against KCU with 10 tackles. Safeties Trevor Griffin and Derek Taylor each have 14 tackles. 

Campbellsville heads into the conference opener on a two-game win streak beating Union College, 37-27. The Tigers have a pass first offense averaging 35.3 points and throwing for 362.8 yards per game. 

Sophomore Quarterback Jagger Gillis orchestrates the Campbellsville offense. Gillis has thrown 1,206 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He is completing 65.5% of his passes while spreading the ball across to different receivers. Gillis leads the Mid-South Conference in passing yards and touchdowns. 

One of his favorite targets is Luke Sheperson, a high school teammate of Gillis' at Boyle County High School. Sheperson had caught 15 passes for 212 yards and four touchdowns. Andre Siler leds the Tigers with 18 receptions and 275 yards. Pat Oden is also north of 200 yards receiving. 

Tre Bass will be the featured back in the offense as the only Tiger with double-digit carries. Bass has 38 touches for 218 yards and four scores. 

The Tigers offense has turned the ball over 10 times in four games for an average of 2.5 per game. If Cumberland can wreak havoc on the defensive end and control the ball and the clock, the Phoenix will have a good opportunity to come out on top. 

Linebackers Ellis Reed and Kale Hagan led the team in tackles with 21 and 20 a piece. The defensive line has been able to get after the quarterback this year with Noah Grey and Keeland Lemar each with three sacks for second-most in the conference. 

Kick-off is slated for 6:00 p.m. central time. Christian Kaposy and Bob Lea will bring you all the action on the Cumberland Sports Network and WANT FM 98.9 and WCOR AM 1490.