Box Score Williamsburg, KY – Martize Smith commanded the Patriots offense from the backfield, rushing for over 230 yards in the loss Friday night to the Bethel Wildcats, 38-14. Cumberlands suffered there third team loss of the season.
 
Smith broke out for a career night against the Wildcats, noting his best rushing performance while donning the Patriots uniform with 234 yards gained. The figure surpasses his previous best by 69 yards; he collected 165 yards in last year's postseason win at Keiser.
 
It was the most yards gained by a Patriots back since Hunter Lewis picked up 254 yards against Bluefield in 2014. Smith was two touches shy of breaking the 40-attempt game record dating back to Randy Freeman against Clinch Valley in 1994. He becomes the first Patriots running back since Milton Shelton in 2018 to surpass 200 yards rushing in a game.
 
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By the Numbers
Cumberlands was efficient in the run game but could not prevail against the Bethel Wildcats, only making a pair of trips to the endzone. The team gained 261 yards on the ground led by Smith and Nathan Arnold. A sack and an interception proved the costliest for the Patriots, slowing momentum.
 
The final number of yards picked up by the second-year running back was 234 yards in the contest. Smith led the entire offensive production, accounting for 93.5% of the team's net offensive yards. Smith rushed both times into the endzone as well, including his longest rush of the day of 41 yards for six points.
 
Leading the Patriots under center, Arnold completed six passes for 18 yards. Jacob Ward caught both of his targets, picking up nine yards. Darius Young made two of three completions for four yards. Brandon Stuckey hauled in one target for five yards. The quarterback also scrambled for 22 yards.
 
It was another big night for rookie defensive back Walker Dunn, leading the team in tackles for the second straight game. He notched his second straight double-digit night as well with 11 tackles, seven of which solo. Adam Chaney, freshman linebacker, followed with eight tackles total, four solo.
 
Cumberlands allowed five touchdowns to the Wildcats as well as a field goal.
 
How it Happened
Zane McKendree and Jamar Roberts got off the line with speed and efficiency in the first play of the night, tackling the rusher behind the line for a loss of five yards. Kynan Russell was able to force a fumble on the opening drive as well but the home team prevailed and found their way into the endzone on the 4:15 long drive.
 
The Patriots went four-and-out in their first crack offensively. The punt led to another score for Bethel, a 50-yard pass over the top. On the following kickoff, Stuckey received the ball and moved the Patriots into promising field position for the ensuing drive past the 30-yard line. The Patriots still could not get a first down and gave Bethel another 31-yard touchdown on the following drive.
 
Bethel held a 21-0 advantage going into the second quarter.
 
Smith got rolling in Cumberlands' third drive of the night; three straight carries for him moved the chains for the first time. Smith carried the team across midfield on a big 25-yard gain and bounced off tacklers for another 14 yards two plays later. Knocking on the door at the turn of the quarter, a one-yard burst on fourth and goal put six on the board for Smith and the Patriots. Tripp Holloway continued his streak with a made PAT.
 
The visiting defense forced a three-and-out against Bethel's offense, getting the ball back quickly in good position. The run game gained 22 yards to move the ball to the edge of the redzone, but a bad snap and hold failed to put points on the board via a field goal.
 
On third down, Arnold was sacked the next time the offense took the field to force a punt. The Wildcats moved the ball downfield in seven plays; the Patriots hold them out of the endzone. A field goal was good, and Bethel held the 24-7 advantage into halftime. Smith rushed the ball 27 yards in the remaining 1:20 on the clock, unable to get into scoring position with the short time left.
 
The Patriots had possession to open the second half; their run was cut short as a 27 yard look to J.R. Lucas was picked off by the Wildcats. Cumberlands' defense forced a turnover on downs on the following drive, failing a fourth and four conversion.
 
A series of rushes by Smith for 12 yards opened the passing game for the Patriots temporarily. Arnold and Ward connected for nine yards, converting on a fourth and short before Arnold converted another fourth down on a scramble for eight yards. The Patriots luck ran out on fourth down, failing to pick up the yards needed on the 12-yard line.
 
Another turnover on downs, unable to convert fourth and two, resulted in points for Bethel. A defensive breakdown got the Patriots beat in a 69-yard reception for a score, Bethel taking the 31-7 edge. Needing a big response, Smith bounced around for 15 yards in two carries; Arnold kept the ball to convert on fourth. Finding open field, Smith broke free for a 41-yard score and narrow the score margin.
 
That would be the day for Smith, given rest after the massive workload to boost the Patriots offense. The Wildcats scored on the ensuing drive on a 25-yard pass to move the score to 38-14. Devin Jones made an appearance, picking up nine yards on the Patriots final drive.
 
Up Next
Cumberlands will play their final road game of the season, travelling west again to Campbellsville. The game is scheduled for March 19 and a 6 PM kickoff eastern. Live coverage will be provided by Campbellsville Athletics.
 
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