Crestview Hills, KY – The University of the Cumberlands football team recorded the last nine points of the game, however, it wasn't enough to overcome a slow start falling to Thomas More 26-9 Saturday afternoon.  With the win, the Saints improve to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in MSC play, while the Patriots move to 4-2 on the season and 1-2 in conference play. 

Ben Nixon led UC going 17-33 for 223 yards and a touchdown, while Brandon Stuckey was the Patriots leading receiver with two catches for 55 yards.  Eli Evans made two grabs for 46 yards and a score as AP Parham and Ethan Cox tallied 40 and 35 yards, respectfully. 

Defensively, Cumberlads had four players tally at least five tackles in the game led by Adam Caudle, who finished with a team-high nine stops.  Adam Chaney added six tackles and a forced fumble, while Kumi Sarpong Jr. and Walker Dunn notched five tackles each.  Jacobie Elkins and Zavian Solomon each recorded a sack in the game.

Thomas More punted on the opening possession of the game, before both teams committed turnovers.  Elkins sacked Rae'Von Vaden and forced a fumble, which was recovered by Myles Simon to give UC the ball at their 38 yard line.  However, nothing came of that possession for Cumberlands as the Saints were able to block a punt and on the ensuing possession score a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead.  UC fumbled the next kickoff, which was recovered by the Saints. Thomas More then went on a five play, 38 yard drive capped off by Jay Volpenhein finding Roques Dowdy for a touchdown extending the lead to 13-0. 

Cumberlands was looking to gain momentum as Nixon drove UC down the field using five plays to get the Patriots in the redzone.  Nixon rushed for 11 yards on second down, setting up a 3^rd and 1 from the nine, but the Saints defense held strong forcing the turnover on downs giving Thomas More a 13-0 lead after the opening period.

The second quarter opened with the two teams trading punts, until Zavian Solomon recorded a strip sack, which was recovered by Jamar Roberts giving the Patriots 1^st and goal.  UC got the ball to the three yard line, however, Thomas More made a fourth-down stop to force the turnover on downs.  The Saints added another touchdown before the half to take a 20-0 lead into the break.

Thomas More added to their lead in the third quarter making it 26-0 midway through the period.  On the ensuing possession Nixon went 3-3 with a 48-yard reception by Stuckey, before connecting with Evans for a 38-yard strike for the score cutting the deficit to 26-7.  Anthony Velasquez took the kickoff and on the Saints return Chaney forced a fumble, which was bobbled by multiple players before being recovered in the endzone by Thomas More resulting in a safety cutting the deficit to 26-9.  UC looked to cut into that lead once more, however, an interception gave the ball back to the Saints. 

The Patriots had two more chances but struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the fourth quarter as the Saints held on for the 26-9 final.

Cumberlands return home to host Campbellsville Saturday, October 23.  This game will serve as homecoming and kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with live video available here and live stats available here.

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