Cumberland University

LEBANON, Tenn. - - Cumberland University football battled back from an early deficit but came up just short Saturday afternoon, falling 21-19 to Georgetown College on Homecoming.

The Phoenix (3-2, 0-1 MSC) outgained the Tigers 359-167 and controlled the clock for more than 36 minutes, but Georgetown (3-2, 1-0 MSC) made enough plays in the key moments to hold on for the road victory.

Georgetown struck first, taking a 7-0 lead midway through the opening quarter when Trevor DeLacey connected with Jamarcus Robinson for a 55-yard touchdown. Cumberland answered in the second quarter, putting together a 74-yard, 15-play drive that ended with quarterback Jake Parker finding the end zone on a four-yard touchdown run with 14:18 remaining in the half, though the PAT was blocked, making it 7-6.

The Tigers responded immediately, however, as Robinson kept the hot hand and returned the ensuing kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown to put Georgetown right back in front 14-6.
Cumberland continued to battle. With just 1:54 remaining in the first half, Jake Parker launched a pass over the defense and connected with Jordan Parker for a 29-yard touchdown, bringing the Phoenix within one at 14-13 heading into halftime.

The Phoenix took their first lead of the afternoon not long after the break, as early in the third quarter Jack Kantner connected on a career long 43-yard field goal with 9:42 remaining in the period to give Cumberland a 16-14 advantage.

Georgetown regained the lead later in the quarter when DeLacey found Guy Bailey on a wheel route of the backfield for a 25-yard touchdown with 4:41 left in the third, putting the Tigers ahead 21-16.

As the game began to creep closer to its end, it became more and more a game of field position and Kantner struck again to pull the Phoenix closer. The senior kicker from Blue Ridge, Georgia helped keep Cumberland within striking distance, connecting on a 41-yard field goal with 6:05 remaining in the fourth quarter to make it 21-19.

The Phoenix defense held firm yet again to give Cumberland an opportunity to take the lead, forcing Georgetown to punt on its next possession, giving CU the ball with 4:12 remaining. Cumberland began their play with back to back rushes and with the crowd noise helping push them forward they managed one last first down, though it was not enough to see them past the Tigers defense.

Parker finished the afternoon with 162 passing yards and a touchdown while adding 52 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Jordan Cason led the Phoenix rushing attack with 105 yards on 21 carries, while Jordan Parker recorded three receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown.

Cumberland finished with 359 total yards, including 197 yards on the ground. The Phoenix recorded 21 first downs and held the ball for 36:23.

Defensively, Knox Watson led the Phoenix with nine tackles, while Eli Denton added eight tackles. Josh Jones recorded six tackles, and the Cumberland defense finished with three pass breakups, three quarterback hurries and a sack.

Kantner accounted for 10 Cumberland points, connecting on field goals of 43 and 41 yards.

Cumberland will look to bounce back in its next contest, heading to Cuthbert, Georgia to take on new NAIA program, Andrew College.