Football 10/31/2025 1:19:00 PM

After Homecoming Heroics, Phoenix Face Another Test Against Cumberlands in NAIA Featured Game

LEBANON, Tenn.--Fresh off a statement win over No. 6 Campbellsville, Cumberland football returns to Nokes-Lasater Field for another marquee matchup as the Phoenix host the University of the Cumberlands on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in an NAIA UEN Featured Game of the Week. The Phoenix (5-3, 1-2 MSC) will look to keep their home record unblemished and build on last week's momentum, while the Patriots (4-4, 1-3 MSC) enter aiming to even their conference record after defeating No. 25 Bethel 34-10.

Cumberland turned heads last weekend with a 35-33 Homecoming victory over sixth-ranked Campbellsville, highlighted by a 23-point fourth quarter comeback. Quarterback Jake Parker earned Mid-South Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors after accounting for 428 total yards and three touchdowns, while kicker Jack Kantner was named both MSC and NAIA National Special Teams Player of the Week after hitting three field goals, including the game-winner, and recording three touchbacks. Linebacker Boston Follis added nine tackles to earn MSC Defensive Player of the Week.

The Phoenix offense continues to find balance, averaging 345.6 yards per game—179.1 on the ground and 166.5 through the air—while scoring 24.6 points per contest. Parker has thrown for 816 yards and four touchdowns and added 281 rushing yards with three more scores. Running back Jacob Cornejo leads the team with 524 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while wideouts Jarrius Rogers (352 yds, 2 TD) and Isaiah O'Neal (302 yds, 2 TD) provide explosive playmaking ability downfield. Defensively, Cannon Johnson leads the charge with 56 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks, while Daniel Doegan made a key interception late in last week's win.

Cumberlands enters Saturday's matchup as one of the more balanced teams in the Mid-South, ranking among the top 25 nationally in total offense (423.9 YPG) and scoring offense (32.4 PPG). The Patriots have demonstrated an ability to strike quickly through the air while maintaining a strong running game, averaging nearly 190 rushing yards per contest. Offensively, they are one of the most efficient red-zone teams in the NAIA, converting on 86% of their trips inside the 20-yard line and scoring touchdowns on nearly 80% of those possessions. Cumberlands also controls the tempo effectively, ranking top ten nationally in time of possession (33:26 per game), allowing their offense to sustain long, methodical drives and wear down opposing defenses.

Leading the Patriots' offensive attack is quarterback Drew Gregg, who has been one of the top passers in the Mid-South this season. Gregg has thrown for 1,845 yards and 21 touchdowns, spreading the ball around to a deep receiving corps. Michael Petty leads the team with 507 yards and six touchdowns, while DK Edwards (361 yards, 4 TD) and Cade Lamb (292 yards, 4 TD) give Cumberlands multiple big-play options. On the ground, the Patriots are led by Jayden Clayton (435 yards, 3 TD) and Juan Bullard Jr. (422 yards, 5 TD), both of whom average over six yards per carry and complement Gregg's ability to extend plays with his legs.

Defensively, the Patriots combine strength up front with opportunistic playmaking in the secondary. They are allowing just 317.0 total yards per game—including 160.0 passing yards—ranking among the top 30 nationally in total defense. Linebacker Hunter Zirkle has been a force, recording 39 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks, while Jeremy Hamilton leads the team with 44 total tackles and three interceptions. Defensive lineman Jaquon Hall has added 3.0 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss, helping the Patriots apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Cumberland holds a 13-15 all-time record against Cumberlands but has won the last two meetings, including a 49-25 road victory last season. The Phoenix are 8-5 at home in the series and aim to extend their win streak to three straight over the Patriots. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. CT at Nokes-Lasater Field with live coverage from Christian Kaposy and Bob Lea beginning at 1:00 p.m. on WANT FM 98.9, the Cumberland Sports Network, and the Urban Edge Network.

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Players Mentioned

#0 Jacob Cornejo: RB; 6' 0"; Sophomore

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

#8 Cannon Johnson: DB; 5' 8"; Junior

#17 Jack Kantner: K; 5' 11"; Junior

#82 Jarrius Rogers: WR; 5' 11"; Sophomore

#12 Jake Parker: QB; 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior

#28 Daniel Doegan: DB; 5' 11"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#0 Jacob Cornejo
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: RB

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

#8 Cannon Johnson
: 5' 8"; Junior
: DB

#17 Jack Kantner
: 5' 11"; Junior
: K

#82 Jarrius Rogers
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: WR

#12 Jake Parker
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior
: QB

#28 Daniel Doegan
: 5' 11"; Senior
: DB