Kansas City, MO – For the first time in 38 year history of the Cumberlands football program, the Patriots have multiple players garnering NAIA National Player of the Week honors in the same week.  Jahmal Hutsell was named the NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week, while Malik Thornton earned NAIA Defensive Player of the Week honors for their roles in the Patriots 24-23 win over 11^th-ranked Georgetown.

This is just the third time in program history that UC has had multiple NAIA Players of the Week in the same season joining the 2010 and 2012 seasons.  Hutsell is fourth Patriot to be named Special Teams Player of the Week and the first since Devin McMillin garnered the award in 2019.  Thornton becomes the first Cumebrlands defender to garner this honor in over a decade when Dewaun Harrison received the honor during the 2012 season. 

Hutsell earned national recognition after notching two kickoff returns for a total of 102 yards and a touchdown.  In the third quarter after Georgetown scored to take a 10-7 advantage Hutsell went to work.  On the ensuing kickoff the Cincinnati, OH native caught it at the 12-yard line and cut towards the middle of the field found a hole.  Hutsell raced towards the corner of endzone and went just inside the pylon for the 88-yards touchdown to put UC back in front 14-10.  This was the Patriots first kickoff return for a touchdown since October 3, 2015 when Wendall Williams returned a 75-yard kickoff return for a score against Bethel.  The freshman also becomes just the seventh Patriot player in program history to return a kickoff for a touchdown.

"Jahmal has made a significant difference on our special teams," said Head Coach Shan Housekeeper.  "He's attitude and effort to improve the program has made a big difference this season."

Thornton had an incredible game tallying his first career multi-interception game to go along with two tackles and two pass break-up. Both of his picks led to Patriots points which would be critical in UC's win.  Late in the third quarter with Georgetown driving, Thornton intercepted a pass and returned it 24-yards to the Tigers 40-yard line.  That interception yielded a field goal for the Patriots to extend their lead to 17-10.  Three possessions later, with the Tigers in Patriots territory Thornton jumped a quick out route for his first career multi-interception game.  The Eatonton, GA native returned this one 75 yards untouched to the end zone for the touchdown putting UC in front 24-10.  That scored was ultimately the game-winning score as the Patriots held on for the 24-23 win.  

"Malik has invested and developed all season, he has played a critical role and has really shown his level of impact," said Coach Housekeeper.

It was Cumberlands' first interception return for a touchdown since September 2, 2021 when Damon Byrnes-Mitchell did it against Kentucky Christian.  It also marks the Patriots first multi-interception game since September 25, 2021 when Ke'Shawn Catlett had a pair of interceptions in the win over Southeastern. 

The win was Cumberlands first win against the Tigers since 2019 and their first win over a NAIA Top-15 team since November 23, 2019 when they defeated seventh-ranked Keiser. 

After a bye week, the Patriots will return home to host Campbellsville on Saturday November 5th.  Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. with live video available here.  Prior to the game, UC will be honoring its 2022 senior class.

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