Football 11/1/2024 3:54:00 PM

22nd-Ranked Phoenix Set to Host Lindsey Wilson for Senior Day

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland Football has one of their biggest games this late in the season since the resurgence of the program in 1990 this Saturday as the Phoenix host Lindsey Wilson.

The Phoenix come into this game ranked No. 22 in the NAIA with playoff aspirations. Cumberland has a chance to make the playoffs for the second-time in program history, but CU has to handle their business in their last two games. Lindsey Wilson also has a lot on the line as the Blue Raiders can win out and win the conference championship and return to the playoffs after missing out last season.

The Phoenix and Blue Raiders will meet for the 14th time in history. Lindsey Wilson has won the last five meetings holding Cumberland to one score in four of those last five games. The Blue Raiders lead the series 8-4. The last time Cumberland beat Lindsey Wilson was in 2018 when Lindsey Wilson came to Lebanon ranked in the Top 5.

Cumberland comes in with a 6-2 record after beating the Cumberlands last week 49-25. Lindsey Wilson had a 4-2 record with wins over Point, Bluefield, Faulkner, and held off Campbellsville two weeks ago with a 16-10 win. Campbellsville had a chance to tie it with less than a minute left, but a big hit on the goalline had the Tigers cough up the football to help the Blue Raiders get the win. Lindsey has losses to a very good Texas Wesleyan team that will make the playoffs on the road in week one as well as a loss to the Cumberlands on the road. The Blue Raiders have three ranked games left on the schedule starting with the Phoenix on Saturday, and then have Bethel at home and Georgetown at home to end the year. Lindsey Wilson can win the conference with three wins.

Cumberland comes into this game after an impressive road win over the University of the Cumberlands Cumberland started strong with two first-quarter touchdowns before the Patriots rallied to lead 15-14 at halftime. However, the Phoenix dominated the second half, accumulating 352 rushing yards and forcing four turnovers. Luke Holloway led the offense with 126 rushing yards and three touchdowns, plus 143 passing yards, including a touchdown pass to Jeremiah Bryant, who also had three rushing touchdowns and one receiving. Kion Threalkill anchored the defense with two interceptions, while KK West forced a fumble that Joey Samples recovered.

Cumberland and Lindsey Wilson are set to face off in a matchup of two strong defenses, each allowing around 20 points per game. Cumberland leads slightly in scoring with 31.8 points per game compared to Lindsey Wilson's 29.7, and the Phoenix have shown more firepower offensively, averaging 383.3 yards per game to Lindsey Wilson's 314.3. Cumberland's rushing game is particularly potent, outpacing Lindsey Wilson with 233.3 yards per game on the ground, but the Phoenix will have their hand full with Lindsey Wilson's rush defense holding teams to 45.5 on the ground. The Phoenix also excel at ball control, averaging over 33 minutes in possession per game and converting third downs at a 51% rate, compared to Lindsey Wilson's 40%. However, Lindsey Wilson boasts a higher turnover margin (+8) and leads with 11 defensive interceptions and 21 sacks. Both teams perform consistently in the red zone and have comparable penalty yards, setting the stage for a balanced, competitive showdown.

Cumberland's offense is led by standout dual-threat quarterback Luke Holloway, who has totaled 663 rushing yards on 108 carries (6.1 avg) with 10 rushing touchdowns, and he averages 82.88 yards per game. Through the air, Holloway has been efficient, completing 64.66% of his passes for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns, with a strong 157.74 passer rating. Running back Jeremiah Bryant compliments him well, adding 474 rushing yards on 93 attempts (5.1 avg) with nine touchdowns, averaging 59.25 yards per game. In the receiving corps, Jarrius Rogers leads with 309 yards on 16 receptions (19.3 avg) and four touchdowns, while Isaiah O'Neal has contributed 208 yards and three scores.

Cumberland's defense has been anchored by linebacker Boston Follis, who leads the team with 62 total tackles, including six tackles for loss (TFL) and two sacks. Joey Samples and Dez Wallace have been impact players as well, with Samples adding 35 tackles and three quarterback hurries, while Wallace has posted 31 tackles, including a team-high seven TFLs and four sacks. Derek Taylor has shown versatility with 30 tackles and six pass breakups, while Kion Threalkill has been a playmaker in the secondary, recording three interceptions for 78 yards and six pass breakups. These leaders will be crucial in Cumberland's defensive effort against Lindsey Wilson.

Lindsey Wilson's offense is led by running back David Gardner Jr., who has racked up 469 rushing yards on 93 carries (5.0 avg) with eight touchdowns, averaging 78.17 yards per game. Davontaye Saunders has been a dynamic option as well, contributing 217 rushing yards on just 27 attempts (8.0 avg), including a long of 62 yards. In the passing game, Pryor Lamb, who recently made his first career start, has thrown for 338 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, boasting a 127.64 passer rating. Wide receiver Taborie Reed is the team's leading receiver with 207 yards on 15 receptions, while Boyce Smith adds a deep threat, averaging 20.2 yards per catch.

Lindsey Wilson's defense is spearheaded by Cameron Rankins, who has tallied 45 total tackles, including seven tackles for loss (TFL) and three sacks, along with an interception and a forced fumble. Lou Burchfield contributes with 35 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and two interceptions, while Ronald Carr has been a disruptive force with 30 tackles, five TFLs, and 3.5 sacks. Troy Churchill and Sam Taylor also bring pressure up front, recording six and four sacks, respectively. Howie Gant is a playmaker in the secondary with three interceptions for 61 yards.

There is no rain in the forecast as of right now for Saturday's game. The temperatures will be in the low 70s and beautiful for the game.

The game can be viewed live on the Cumberland Sports Network. Christian Kaposy and Bob Lea will bring all the action to Cumberland fans on go on WANT FM 98.9 on WCOR AM 1490. The duo will go live 30-minutes before kick-off at 1:00 p.m. central time.

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Players Mentioned

#46 Boston Follis: LB; 6' 0"; Junior

#3 Luke Holloway: QB; 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior

#40 Joey Samples: DL; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#14 Derek Taylor: DB; 6' 5"; Redshirt Sophomore

#19 Kion Threalkill: DB; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#6 Dez Wallace: LB; 6' 2"; Senior

#82 Jarrius Rogers: WR; 5' 9"; Freshman

#21 Jeremiah Bryant: RB; 5' 11"; Redshirt Senior

#99 KK Lemapu: DL; 6' 3"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#46 Boston Follis
: 6' 0"; Junior
: LB

#3 Luke Holloway
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior
: QB

#40 Joey Samples
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: DL

#14 Derek Taylor
: 6' 5"; Redshirt Sophomore
: DB

#19 Kion Threalkill
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: DB

#6 Dez Wallace
: 6' 2"; Senior
: LB

#82 Jarrius Rogers
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: WR

#21 Jeremiah Bryant
: 5' 11"; Redshirt Senior
: RB

#99 KK Lemapu
: 6' 3"; Freshman
: DL