LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland football looks to extend its three-game winning streak this Saturday as the Phoenix travel to Florida Memorial for a return game after the Lions came to Lebanon last season. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. central time.

The Phoenix (3-1) enter the contest fresh off a hard-fought 21-17 road win at Pikeville, riding momentum after bouncing back from their season-opening loss with three straight victories. Florida Memorial (0-2) returns to the field for the first time in three weeks after a pair of bye weeks.

Cumberland will hand the reins of the offense to sophomore quarterback Jaylen Abston, who takes over under center after an injury sidelined starter Zach Holtzclaw for some time. Abston has proven efficient in limited action this season, completing 50 percent of his passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns while also adding 185 yards on the ground at 5.8 yards per carry.

The Phoenix offense has been at its best running the football, averaging 172.3 rushing yards per game, ranking among the top 30 nationally. Running back Jacob Cornejo leads the attack with 312 yards and three touchdowns, while Rod Payne has added 105 yards and two scores. Abston's mobility gives Cumberland an added dimension, as he is the team's second-leading rusher.

Defensively, CU has been stout up front, holding opponents to 128.3 rushing yards per game while ranking eighth in the NAIA with 12 sacks through four games. Cannon Johnson anchors the unit with 30 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. Linebackers Chazz Hunter and Boston Follis have also been steady contributors, combining for 37 tackles and three sacks.

Florida Memorial is still seeking its first win of 2025 but has shown playmaking ability, particularly in the run game. Running back Nygel Osbourne has averaged an impressive 7.0 yards per carry with three touchdowns in two games, while quarterback David Buggs has thrown for 251 yards and two scores.

The Lions lost in their opener on the road at Reinhardt in a high-scoring game 49-35. The Eagles built up a huge lead in that game before Florida Memorial came storming back to make it a one-score game in the fourth quarter, but Reinhardt put the game away with a touchdown late. In week two, the Lions traveled to Clark Atlanta where they lost 17-12. Clark Atlanta led throughout in that game as well. 

The Phoenix and Lions have met twice before, both in Lebanon, with Cumberland holding a 2-0 series lead. The most recent matchup came last season, when CU claimed a 47-35 victory in a high-scoring affair.

The Cumberland Sports Network crew is not making the trip to Miami Gardens, but Christian Kaposy and Bob Lea will call the game remotely. Pregame will begin at 11:30 a.m. central time with kick-off set for noon. 

Saturday's contest will mark Cumberland's final nonconference test before Mid-South Conference play begins after next week's bye week.