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Friday, Oct. 10, 2008

Cumberlands, Union clash in Mid-South

Conference is 'tough top to bottom' this year

The Brass Lantern has become the symbol of the football rivalry between Cumberlands and Union. The lantern is the traveling trophy that resides with the winning team.

The lantern was enough incentive for the past decade, but with the emergence of both schools as NAIA-ranked teams, the stakes of the game have been raised.

Union is ranked 11th, and Cumberlands is 16th when they meet today in Barbourville. Kickoff is 1:30 p.m.

More importantly, they are undefeated in the East Division of the Mid-South Conference. Union shares the lead with No. 12 Virginia-Wise with 2-0 division records. Cumberlands is 1-0.

"It's a tough league this year as it always is," said Cumberlands Coach John Bland. "In the past, Georgetown (0-2) was at the top. Now it's tough top to bottom. There's no chance to breathe and slide on by. This game is important, but all games are important."

Bland's Patriots (4-1) will be facing a Bulldogs team "really good all the way around."

"They play aggressive defense, but they don't give up big plays," Bland said. "Everybody does their jobs and keeps the (opposing) offense from exploiting them.

"Their offense can score points. Their running back (Terence Pollock) is having a good year, and that's a credit to the offensive line. The quarterback (Mike Brinkley) and receivers are solid. They have playmakers who can do a little bit of everything."

Bland, coaching his third season with the Patriots, believes his team played its best in a 42-7 victory over Pikeville last week.

Cumberlands had a 559-305 edge in total yards. The Patriots ran 66 times for 470 yards.

Kyle King has impressed his coach at quarterback. Ricky Walker, an All-America fullback, has played well. Josh Frosch anchors the offensive line.

"When we run the option, it's hard to say who'll get the ball," Bland said. "If our backs are asked to block, they block. If they're asked to run, they run. If they're asked to catch it, they catch it. We have a lot of kids making plays."

True freshman Maurice Berryhill has excelled at running back and returning kickoffs.

Cumberlands' defense is led by lineman Alex Wright, middle linebacker Travis Thurmond and free safety Brian Abshire, who has scored with two of his six interceptions.

"Those three have helped us to a successful start on defense," Bland said.

The Patriots also got a boost from last season when they shared the MSC East title with Virginia-Wise, made the NAIA playoffs for the first time since 1988 and were 16th in the final NAIA poll.

"Winning is good for recruiting, morale, a lot of things," Bland said. "The kids worked hard in the off-season waiting for their championship rings.

"Sometimes, players think they've arrived. We made sure that didn't happen. They've sacrificed a lot so far."