The University of the Cumberlands (UC) football team celebrated "Homecoming" on Saturday as they hosted Lindsey Wilson College for the first time in school history.  The Patriots were ready to take the field and continue their string of dominance this season and did just that as they extended their school record winning streak to 10 games defeating the Blue Raiders by a final score of 61-29.

The Blue Raiders did draw first blood as they came out ready to prove they belonged in the game.  Just 1:40 into the game, the Blue Raiders were the first one on the scoreboard with a 15 yard touchdown pass to take a 7-0 lead.  That lead lasted about 13 seconds as Willie Gibson (Abbeville, GA) would answer on the kickoff return.  Gibson raced down the sideline dodging defenders on a way to a 97 yard touchdown return to tie the game 7-7.  An uncharacteristic turn for the Patriots came on the next defensive series as Lindsey Wilson was able to put another touchdown on the board in the form of a 73 yard touchdown pass to make it 14-7 Blue Raiders with 12:48 still to play in the first quarter.  From this point on, it was UC's day to shine.  Just 1:30 after Lindsey Wilson took a 14-7 lead, the Patriots would answer back with a 41 yard touchdown run by D'Angelo Jordan (Jacksonville, FL).  In just 4 minutes, it was a 14-14 ball game, something you would only see in a video game.  

Jordan would find the end zone once again in the 1st quarter as he would punch it in from 6 yards out to make it a 20-14 as the PAT was blocked.  After another three and out by the Patriots, it was time for the air game by the UC offense.  With just over 3 minutes left in the 1st quarter, the Patriots senior quarterback Jay Bright (Fayetteville, GA) connected with none other than Willie Gibson for a 38 yard touchdown reception.  UC forced another 3 and out and ended the quarter with all the momentum and a 26-14 lead.

On the first play of the second quarter, Terrance Cobb (Knoxville, TN) got his day started by finding the end zone on a 6 yard run to make the score 33-14.  After the defense yet again held the Blue Raiders to a 3 and out, the offense found the end zone once again with a 35 yard highlight reel run by Iquan Deed (Montezuma, GA) to make it 40-14.  Deed once again found the end zone before the half as he made his way from 6 yards out giving UC a 47-14 lead into halftime.   

The second half seemed like smooth sailing for the Patriots as they carried another big lead into the final 30 minutes of the game.  On the first drive, the UC offense put together a string of plays that would open the eyes of everyone.  After 3 penalties put the Patriots on the 40 yard line on a 3rd and goal situation, the Patriots only had one call to make.  Jay Bright dropped back and threw a beautiful 40 yard touchdown pass to Willie Gibson on what put the dagger into the Blue Raiders.  This also set the record for Jay Bright as he broke the all-time career record for touchdown passes with 28 for a career, a record that has been intact since 1996.

Terrance Cobb would add another touchdown after a 49 yard scamper to the end zone would give UC a 61-14 lead.  After that, the Patriots would rely on their second string to finish out the game.  Zeke Eier (New Carlisle, OH) continues to be a bright spot for the Patriots as he ran for 54 yards on 9 carries. The defense did give up two late scores in the 4th quarter to make it a 61-29 final.  

Head Coach John Bland commented, "I am proud of these guys as they continue to play so hard.  They give it everything they got and play well in all phases of the game.  I like where we are headed and we just have to continue to keep playing well."

After a rough 1st quarter, the defense continued their dominance as they racked up another stellar day on the field accumulating 3 interceptions for 98 yards and a couple of big standouts for the team on the defensive side.  Harrison Hendricks (Antioch, TN) had a big day as he had 7 total tackles and 3 pass break ups.  Weston Hazlehurst (Clinton, TN) continued his great career with 5 tackles, 1 sack, and 2.5 tackles for loss.  Another game passed and another interception for Adrian Hightower as he now has 6 interceptions in 5 games which leads the NAIA.  Corey Clark (Seymour, TN) and Seth Brewton (Corryton, TN) also each had an interception.  Brewton's INT was something special as he ran the ball back for 72 yards before stepping out at the 23 yard line. 

This was not just a day for running for the Patriots as they really excelled in all areas of the offensive side of the football game.  Junior Terrance Cobb continued his solid season with 165 yards on 16 carries for 2 touchdowns.  D'Angelo Jordan had 107 yards on 5 carries for 2 touchdowns of his own.  Jay Bright was 6 for 10 through the air with 89 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Willie Gibson had 5 catches for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns to go along with his kick return touchdown.  With an offense this explosive, one has to wonder just how anyone can stop these guys.

The Patriots also extended their winning streak to 10 games carrying over from last season.  This ties the records of the longest winning streak in Patriots history from 1988 and 2008.  Both years, UC won the Mid-South Conference Championship.   The Patriots look to continue the streak, although it won't be easy.  The Patriots head to Faulkner University next week as they take on the Eagles in Montgomery, Alabama.  That game is scheduled to kick at 2:30 pm. 

If you're unable to go to the game, the game will be broadcasted locally on WEZJ 104.3 FM.  If you are out of the listening area, you can always catch Cumberlands football by logging onto www.cumberlandspatriots.com.   

For more information on the Patriots football program along with other Patriot athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. 

_{Article by Jordan Gossett, UC Multimedia and Athletic Services Graduate Assistant}