MONTGOMERY, Ala. –- Big plays and short drives propelled Faulkner to a 42-14 victory over 16th-ranked Cumberland on Saturday at John Mark Stallings Field Saturday. The Eagles scored on drives of 1, 1 and 2 plays and kickoff, punt as interception and fumble returns set up the Eagles for short TD drives.

The Bulldogs (5-2, 1-1 Mid-South West) scored 14 points in the opening quarter on one-yard runs by Lemeco Miller and Reed Gurchiek, but the Eagles (5-2, 3-0) answered with quick strikes and took the lead for good on a weird fumble near the end of the half.

Gurchiek dropped back on third down and was pressured. He went to throw the ball but got turned sideways, fumbling backwards almost 20 yards as he was hit by Eagle defensive end Paramore Tapa. Faulkner’s Donny Ruggles recovered at the CU one yard line and Junior Allen scored on the next play for the 21-14 advantage at the break.

Allen returned the second half kickoff 78 yards and Josh Hollingsworth hit Radarius Owens for a 17-yard score on the first play. Trump Harrison then returned the ensuing punt 60 yards and Hollingsworth found Chris Kordakis for a 7-yard TD seven plays later and a 35-14 lead.

The Eagles never looked back despite Cumberland holding the ball for almost 40 minutes in the contest. The Bulldogs came away empty on a seven-minute drive in the second quarter and another five-minute possession in the final period.
 
Hollingsworth finished 25-of-40 passing for 264 yards and four touchdowns, two to Owens.

Lemeco Miller rushed 22 times for 95 yards and one score in the loss, while Blake DeBoard gained 56 yards on 10 carries. Marquis Hagewood caught four passes for 74 yards for CU as well.

Cumberland outgained the Eagles, 445-388, in the contest, but all of the big plays doomed the Bulldogs to their first loss in five outings.

The Bulldogs will host Campbellsville University Saturday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. at Nokes-Lasater Field. Fans are encouraged to wear black and to bring canned goods for Joseph's Storehouse.