Football 9/19/2025 1:18:00 PM

Football Opens Up Four-Game Road Swing At Pikeville Tomorrow

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland Football kicks off a four-game road swing this weekend riding a two-game winning streak as they travel to the University of Pikeville. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. central time Saturday night at Hambley Athletic Complex.

The Phoenix (2-1) are off to a strong start in 2025, outscoring opponents 85–25 in their last two contests. A balanced rushing attack and a defense that thrives on creating havoc have fueled the early momentum. Cumberland has forced six turnovers in three games, while offensively the ground game ranks top-15 in the NAIA at 199.0 yards per game.

Sophomore running back Jacob Cornejo leads the way with 247 yards and two touchdowns, while Rod Payne and Lamar Childress have combined for three additional rushing scores. Quarterback Jaylen Abston has been dynamic on the ground rushing for 171 yards on 21 carries. Quarterback Zach Holtzclaw has thrown for 227 yards and two touchdowns, with Kaiden Hatchett and Jarrius Rogers pacing the receiving corps.

The defense this year has wreaked havoc on opponents. The team has posted nine sacks in three games, good for 12th-best in the NAIA, and have also been very physical forcing seven fumbles, recovering four of them. The Phoenix have intercepted two passes this season.

Cannon Johnson has been the anchor, already tallying 21 tackles, three sacks, and a defensive touchdown. Shakyi Hannah is second on the team in tackles with 14. Daniel Smith sealed the Reinhardt win with a pick-six.

Pikeville (0-2) enters the matchup hungry for their first win after close road losses to two ranked Mid-South Conference teams, Georgetown and Campbellsville. Pikeville last season made the playoffs and one their opening round game to advance to the Round of 16. The Bears are looking to get back on track before they get into conference play.

The Bears feature one of the most explosive passing offenses in the country, led by graduate quarterback Xavier Malone, who leads the NAIA in passing yards per game (422.0). Malone has completed 68.5% of his passes for 844 yards and three touchdowns in just two games. His primary targets include Jordan Williams (222 yards), Brandon Newton (188 yards, 3 TDs), and Deajuan McDougle (177 yards). Tight end Grant Scott also provides a steady presence with 153 yards.

The Bears' rushing attack is paced by Amon Williams, who has 155 yards and two touchdowns, though the offense has leaned heavily on the passing game. Williams is also used in the passing game quite a bit making 19 catches for 104 yards.

Defensively, Levi Evans leads the front seven with 10 tackles, a sack, and five tackles for loss, while safety Brett Coleman has added 10 stops and a pass breakup. Corner Marshawn Boyden has the team's lone interception so far.

Saturday marks the 16th meeting between the two teams and the first time these programs have met since 2022. The Bears have had some recent success against Cumberland winning the last four matchups and lead the all-time series by one game, 8-7.

The weather looks to be good conditions in Pikeville with kickoff temperatures sitting in the mid-80s before it cools down as the game carries into the night.

The game will be carried live on the Cumberland Sports Network. Christian Kaposy and Bob Lea will have the call beginning with the pregame show at 4:30 p.m. central time on WANT FM 98.9, WCOR AM 1490, and online at wantfm.com

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Players Mentioned

#1 Jaylen Abston: QB; 6' 3"; Redshirt Sophomore

#32 Lamar Childress: RB; 5' 10"; Graduate Student

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

#3 Kaiden Hatchett: WR; 5' 10"; Redshirt Junior

#10 Zach Holtzclaw: QB; 5' 11"; Redshirt Junior

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

#2 Rod Payne: RB; 5' 9"; Redshirt Sophomore

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

#6 Daniel Smith: DB; 5' 11"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#1 Jaylen Abston
: 6' 3"; Redshirt Sophomore
: QB

#32 Lamar Childress
: 5' 10"; Graduate Student
: RB

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

#3 Kaiden Hatchett
: 5' 10"; Redshirt Junior
: WR

#10 Zach Holtzclaw
: 5' 11"; Redshirt Junior
: QB

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

#2 Rod Payne
: 5' 9"; Redshirt Sophomore
: RB

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

#6 Daniel Smith
: 5' 11"; Junior
: DB