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Cumberland University

Kantner Special Teams POW

Football

Kantner Caps Homecoming with NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week Recognition

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland's Jack Kantner has been named the NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week, national officials announced Monday, after his clutch performance helped lift the Phoenix to a 35-33 win over previously unbeaten and No. 6-ranked Campbellsville. 

Kantner becomes the fifth Cumberland football player in program history to earn NAIA National Player of the Week honors and the second in the last two years to earn the honor out of Blue Ridge, Georgia. He joins an elite group that includes Allanté McLemore (Defensive POW, 2010), James McClain (Offensive POW, Nov. 17, 2008), Travis Carter (Special Teams POW, Sept. 7, 2009), and Luke Holloway (Offensive POW, Oct. 14, 2024).

Kantner was perfect in all phases of the kicking game, accounting for 11 total points in the victory. The Blue Ridge, Georgia, native went 3-for-3 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points, connecting from 20, 21, and 30 yards. His 30-yard make with 3:38 left in the fourth quarter gave Cumberland its first lead since early in the second quarter and ultimately proved to be the game-winner. He also recorded three touchbacks on kickoffs, consistently pinning the Tigers deep and helping control field position throughout the contest.

Kantner's performance was crucial in Cumberland's Homecoming victory, as the Phoenix handed Campbellsville its first loss of the season and snapped the Tigers' six-game win streak. The junior's poise and consistency under pressure have made him one of the NAIA's most reliable kickers this season.

Cumberland (5-3, 1-2 MSC) will look to continue their momentum as the Phoenix host the Cumberlands on Saturday. 

 
 
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Players Mentioned

Luke Holloway

#3 Luke Holloway

QB
6' 2"
Redshirt Junior
Jack Kantner

#17 Jack Kantner

K
5' 11"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Luke Holloway

#3 Luke Holloway

6' 2"
Redshirt Junior
QB
Jack Kantner

#17 Jack Kantner

5' 11"
Junior
K