Williamsburg, KY – The Patriots rivalry with the Phoenix continues with this week's football game against Cumberland. Originally slated for Friday, kickoff is now slated for 3 PM on Sunday, February 21 at James H. Taylor, II Stadium.

Both teams come into the day with a loss in their season openers. The Patriots noted a big day through the air but were unable to fend off the Tigers. Meanwhile, Cumberland had a tough time moving their offense in general in their 19-14 loss to Thomas More. The Patriots look to avenge the loss and tally the first win of the spring season.

Through the Years

The Patriots picked up an easy 26-8 win over the Phoenix a season ago to continue the series history in their favor. After the offense put up 26 points in the first half, the Patriots standout defense continued to dominate in the second allowing only one score. In that game, now-sophomore running back Martize Smith registered 144 yards on the ground and two scores, and now-senior lineman Brad Montgomery blocked a punt for the Patriots' second touchdown of the game.

Cumberlands dominates the series with 13 wins, a rivalry dating back to 1994. The Patriots have seen most of their success in Williamsburg; seven of the wins have been on home field. Prior to the win a season ago, the Patriots had not met the Phoenix for a contest since 2017, a game won by the visiting Phoenix in a 42-40 nail-biter. Now, it will be the 24th meeting of these two teams in program history. Both teams come into the day falling in their season openers. The Patriots, coming off a 27-20 loss to Georgetown, had not previously lost a season opener since 2014. That game was also separated by a one-score margin, 34-27 to Cumberland. Cumberland meanwhile comes in with less than 200 yards of offense seen in their close 19-14 loss in week one to Thomas More. Phoenix head coach Tim Mathis (third season) has yet to record a win over the Patriots.

Focusing on One Game at a Time

Gavin Wilkinson, starting under center in game one, impressed the home fans in his collegiate debut. The rookie tossed up 257 yards and two touchdowns in his first outing. The numbers speak for themselves; it is also the most a Patriot has thrown for in a season opener in the Dakstats era -- since at least 2004. That is big time for a school that has traditionally focused on the run game. Previously, game-one quarterbacks have not very often broke 100 yards, fewer made it past 150 yards. If his numbers are sustainable, Wilkinson will likely see many records in the coming years.

Given the potential for the coming year and even further, the offensive line will have to shape up to allow Wilkinson to work through his progressions. The same could be said about the freshman as well: he has to work through his progressions faster to find his open receivers down field. Wilkinson took six sacks in the season opener, a huge beating on the freshman. He needs to shake off the sore spots from the season opener and learn from the mistakes as the season continues. There are more games left to play and the postseason is always a potential.

New Balance

Wilkinson has hot hands downfield to throw to. Darius Young had his best game since 2019's game at Thomas More with seven catches for 131 yards. He performed as expected, if not better. Young has the speed to beat the corner, and almost did on the opening play of the game against Georgetown on a post route. There is no doubt he will be the go-to man in week two. He will follow his two-score game with at least another trip to the endzone, despite not doing so last season. 

Also in Wilkinson's arsenal are Carter Nelson and De'Ondre Boggs. Nelson only noted a small showing on the stat line in week one, registering two receptions for 14 yards. However, the H-back had big looks as well, including one in the final quarter when he had his man beat on the wheel route. Boggs meanwhile had a stellar showing in his first game donning the red and navy. He noted five receptions for 87 yards. While he did not find the endzone, it is a high possibility he will in week two.

It will be interesting to see the match-ups this week; Boggs lines up against two former teammates from Kentucky Wesleyan, all three having transferred out ahead of this season. Defensive back Jamir Johnson noted three tackles in his first game for the Phoenix.The bigger Phoenix defensive threat to beat will be Cumberland's Brandon Pace, Jr. The cornerback noted one interception for 48 yards against Thomas More and tallied three tackles as well. 

Usually, the passing attack opens up more options for the run game. However, the Patriots have been historically stronger at rushing strategies. With backs such as Zalon Reynolds, M. Smith and Nelson, the Patriots will have consistent success running the ball. Opposing teams will prepare for the run game and be quick to find out the receiving corps this season is just as much of a threat for the Patriots. It will likely be a case of rushing offense opens up the passing game, instead of the other way around in this week's match-up.

A vast majority of the offensive yards last Friday came through the air; Cumberlands was held to 51 yards on the ground by Georgetown. Reynolds, 17 carries for 52 yards, was met with a tough Tiger rush defense. He will likely move past the slim showing and breakout this week. As mentioned previously, M. Smith put up over 140 yards on the ground against the Cumberland defense last season; a possible benchmark to hit this week as well. The Phoenix allowed 171 rushing yards and 220 passing yards in their season opener, which is great news for Patriots fans. Cumberlands will open up a more-balanced offensive attack this coming Sunday, likely collecting a lot of yards against their MSC-foe.

Restricted Space: Do Not Enter

The Patriots defense held Georgetown last week to only 51 yards on the ground. It is an astonishing number, but expected when you have veteran players like Montgomery and Chandler Kaylor leading the Patriots defense at the line of scrimmage. The lineman and linebackers combined for 47 tackles, 8.50 for loss (24 yards), 4.0 sacks (13 yards) and a forced fumble a week ago.

Cumberland posted less than 200 yards of offense in their season opener against Thomas More. Breaking it down, they noted 110 yards rushing and 85 yards passing.  Either they could not get their offense going in game one and it is just a small sample of their potential, or Cumberland has limited impact players to make a difference. Regardless, the Patriots have such a strong rush defense; they will also be able to collapse in on the pocket to truly take out the air game as well.

Senior defensive lineman Montgomery has proven why he is the leader of the Patriots defense. Against Georgetown, he recorded nine tackles, two TFL (seven yards), a forced fumble, and 1.5 sacks (5.5 yards). Big plays by Montgomery are not just possible against the Phoenix, they will be expected. In their last meeting, Montgomery blocked a punt and recovered it in the endzone for a defensive score. Kaylor meanwhile has filled the shoes given to him well. the sophomore led the Patriots in tackles in the season opener, counting 10. He also notched two tackles for a loss of four yards and a two-yard sack. Adding depth to the line, keep #28 Demone (DJ) Smith in sight as well. If Montgomery or Kaylor do not get past the line, D. Smith will. In week one, he secured six tackles, two for loss of seven yards, a sack, and a forced fumble leading to a turnover.

The Patriots look to shut down Cumberland's offense before it even gets going. To do so, they will have to limit yards gained by running back Treylon Sheppard. In 20 carries against Thomas More, he notched both scores for Cumberland in the loss. If given room to work, he will post another 85-yard plus game.

Jaylen Taylor and Boggs fought for receptions while at Kentucky Wesleyan, the latter becoming a more dominant receiver while with the Wildcats. Still, Taylor is a player to be contained by the Patriots secondary. He only caught three passes in his Phoenix debut. However, those limited receptions went for 77 yards, an average of 25.7 yards per catch. The Patriots defense cannot get exposed or beat over the top by Taylor or he will find the endzone. That brings in Patriots star rookie Walker Dunn to lead the secondary, having noted six tackles in week one. On the other hand, defensive back JaCobie Elkins picked off the first pass of the season in Cumberlands favor. The secondary only gets stronger as all-conference selection Keshawn Catlett returns to the line-up this week.
 

Gameday Information

Due to University COVID-19 protocols, gameday attendance at all home events will be limited to students, faculty and staff. As such, a UC ID is required to enter the facility. In addition, dressed Patriots may select up to two (2) immediate family members to be allowed access into the venue. These family members have to be submitted prior to game day, and will be required to be screened prior to entering the facility.

Seating and entrances will be separated at the stadium; UC students, faculty and staff will use the main entrance and sit in the home stands, while family members will use the side entrance past the pavilion and sit in the visiting stands. All fans in attendance will be required to wear a face covering and social distancing will be encouraged while at the facility.

Fans not in attendance can watch the game live, free of charge, on UCSN or tune into 104.3 FM WEZJ. Live updates will be posted to Twitter via @UCPatsGameDay. For the latest and most up-to-date information on University of the Cumberlands Athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. Follow us on Twitter - @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameDay, Instagram - @UCPatriots, YouTube – Cumberlands Patriots, and Facebook by searching University of the Cumberlands Athletics.