Williamsburg, KY – The UC football team is gearing up for another Mid-South Conference test on Saturday as they host Cumberland Saturday night to cap off homecoming week.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at James H. Taylor, II Stadium and will be the 26^th meeting between these two schools with UC holding the series lead 14-11.

Both teams come into the came with identical 2-2 records and seeking their first conference win of the 2022 season.  The Patriots are looking to avenge last year's 14-10 loss in Lebanon when the Phoenix score in the final minute to come away with the win.  Cumberlands is coming off an overtime game with Faulkner last Saturday in which the Patriots tied a pair of school records as AP Parham grabbed 12 receptions, while Job Matossian converted a 47-yard field goal.

"One of our focuses this week was talking about the history of our program and the foundation that was set by those players and coaches who came before us," said Head Coach Shan Housekeeper.  "Homecoming week is a special week and we're looking forward to connecting with alumni and have them cheer us on."

Keep Focused

One of the wildcards for Saturday's game is that it's likely to be played with rainy conditions as the reminisce of Hurricane Ian reach Williamsburg. If that happens this will be the second time this season that the Patriots have dealt with wet conditions, as the other came against St. Andrews where the Patriots pulled away for a 44-6 win.  On the season, the Patriots have fumbled five times this season, losing four of them, while the Phoenix have yet to cough he ball up on the ground.  If the Patriots can protect the football and take advantage of favorable field positions it can lead to UC coming away with a win.

"We have to stay focus on things that are within our control.  Each week there is a different set of adversity that the team faces and if we stay focused then we can bounce back," said Coach Housekeeper.

Continue to Apply Pressure

Cumberlands is coming off of a season-best six sack which resulted in -50 yards of offense for Faulkner.  The Patriots have tallied 14 sacks so far this season, which is second most in the MSC this season and ranks 15^th in the NAIA.  UC has nine players record a sack on the year led by Cortez Brown, who made a career-high three sacks a week ago.  Dylan Preston and Myles Simon have combined for five sacks this year and if the Patriots are able to get pressure against a strong Phoenix offensive line that could help shift field positions and force the quarterback to make quicker decisions.  In addition, UC has five players with at least 20 tackles on the season including all four of the Patriots starting linebackers.

Coach Housekeeper said, "There were a lot of good things to take away from last week's game and use as a building block for the upcoming weeks.  We're still focused on finishing games."

Matossian Continues His Hot Start

Freshman kick Job Matossian converted 2-2 field goals and a pair of extra points in the overtime game against the Eagles last week.  The Maryville, TN native is now 5-6 on field goals this season, including a 47-yard that tied the school record, which was originally set in 2000.  Matossian's strong leg could be a difference maker on Saturday as three of the last five meetings between these two schools were decided by four points or less.

"Job has done an incredible job of making the necessary adjustments each week and he is in a critical position to score points for us every week," said Coach Housekeeper.

Continue to Spread the Wealth

So far this season the Patriots have 12 players with at least one reception, including three with double-digit catches through the first four weeks.  Quarterback Ben Nixon has done a good job of keeping defenses off balance by spreading the wealth as he's thrown for 710 yards and six touchdowns.  The junior quarterback has completed 61.11% of his passes with 77 completions, which put him on pace to finish top-five in both categories for a season.  One of his key receivers has been Parham who has made 26 catches for 226 yards and a pair of scores.  Romeo McKnight and Elijah Howard have 210 and 150 yards, respectively. 

Tickets for the game can be purchased at the gate for $8 for an adult, $5 for students, and all UC students, faculty, and staff get in for free. Fans can also pre-purchase their tickets for the game on-line here.   

Live video of the game is available here.

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