WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – The #25 Fighting Tigers battled the University of the Cumberlands Patriots on Saturday for their last regular season game of 2024. On the back of Luke Sheperson's record-setting day, the Tigers commanded the contest, earning a resounding victory over the Patriots, 47-7.
Campbellsville began the game with a 45-yard kickoff return by Caden Thieman. Tre' Bass strengthened the Tigers' momentum with a 12-yard rush, however, stopped by the Patriots' after a failed fourth-down pass. Both teams stood firm with strong defensive plays. Although Cumberlands collected a few short yard-gains, an interception by Obie Wilson hindered their progress, returning the ball back to midfield. After a hard-fought opening quarter, both teams remained scoreless.
After a slow start to the game, Jagger Gillis connected with Sheperson for a crucial 16-yard completion, resulting in a successful field-goal attempt by Colin Fratus. The Patriots attempted to retaliate but failed to muster any offensive momentum. Cumberlands' drive stalled after a false start penalty and a significant loss of yardage on third down. With a 42-yard pass by Gillis, Andre Siler scored the first touchdown of the game, extending the Tigers' lead on the scoreboard. Shortly after, with only 19 seconds left in the second quarter, another pass from Gillis to Siler closed the first half, 17-0.
Wilson opened the second half with another interception in the first couple of minutes of the third quarter, returning the ball 20 yards for Campbellsville's third touchdown. The Tigers' dominance on the field was palpable, as the Patriots struggled offensively. From there, Campbellsville capitalized off a Cumberlands fumble. Justyce Law rushed nine yards into the end zone for another Tiger touchdown. Although the Patriots gained a few yards, their drive ended with an incomplete pass and a holding penalty. After a 50-yard pass to Siler, Fratus effectively kicked a 34-yard field goal to increase Campbellsville's advantage to 33-0 at the end of the third quarter.
As the final quarter began, Cumberlands continued to struggle to connect under the Tigers' tight coverage. Campbellsville took every opportunity to extend their lead. Bass brought the ball to midfield with a 12-yard rush. After an avid 42-yard pass, the Tigers put the ball at the eight-yard line, and Gillis found Sheperson in the end zone for a touchdown. The Patriots made it to the scoreboard with a first-and-goal shortly after. However, Campbellsville did not falter at the sight of push back as Archelaus Smith gained a few yards on the ground. Then, Law's 12-yard pass to Patrick Oden netted yet another Tiger touchdown. The Patriots tried to respond, however, CJ Cutliff intercepted the ball, returning it 24 yards and preventing Cumberlands from scoring any further. At the end of the fourth quarter, the Tigers took the victory, 47-7.
- Campbellsville bested Cumberlands in first downs (26-11), rushing yards (155-80), passing yards (287-174), and interceptions (3-0).
- Ellis Reed and DQ Brown led the Tigers with seven tackles each, Gillis with 275 passing yards, Siler with six receptions, 134 receiving yards, and two touchdowns, and Bass with 79 rushing yards.
- Sheperson recorded a new university record for most all-time receiving yards with 2,493; the previous record was held by Dem Gipson (seasons 2011-2014) with 2,486 yards.
- The 2024 team tied their highest regular-season winning percentage ever with Campbellsville Football's 2003 9-2 record.
- Campbellsville's history against Cumberlands stretches back to 1988; since then, the Tigers have collected 11 wins and 24 losses. Before today, Campbellsville's last win against the Patriots took place in the 2014 season, before that, the Tigers had not won since 2002. Today's win broke Campbellsville's eight-loss streak against Cumberlands.
