Football mobes to 3-0 in the East
0Written By Staff Report
Behind a career-high three rushing touchdowns from Jamar Kirksey and a dominant defensive performance, the University of Pikeville football team was able to capture an important 31-7 win over Cumberlands in a Mid-South Conference East Division matchup on Saturday. UPIKE kept itself in the hunt for a divisional title as it improved to an even 4-4 overall and 3-0 in league play. Cumberlands falls to 3-5 overall and 2-2 in the division after being outscored 28-0 in the second half. The Patriots entered the game ranked fifth nationally in rushing yards per game at 283, but the Bears had other plans, holding them 174 yards below their average. The 109 yards gained on the ground by Cumberlands were the fewest since gaining 67 against Georgetown in 2011.Making things even sweeter for UPIKE was registering the win without giving up a single turnover. Conversely, the Patriots fumbled early in the third quarter and threw a pick six later in the period, helping the Bears outscore them 28-0 in the second half. Defense was the story in the opening half as it ended with Cumberlands taking a 7-3 lead into the locker room before the half. For the game, UPIKE outgained Cumberlands 350-257 in total offense, including a 235-109 lead rushing.