The Thomas More Saints held an early lead over the #8-ranked and undefeated Cumberlands but lost that lead by halftime and ultimately fell, 45-31.
With the loss, the Saints fall to 3-7 on the year and close out their first season in the NAIA next Saturday at home.
Thomas More took a 10-3 lead into the break between the first and second quarters on an early field goal bu sophomore kicker Alexander Haley, and a one-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Justin Post.
But the Patriots answered with a pair of touchdowns in the second to take a 17-10 halftime lead. In the third, the Cumberlands ran up the lead to 31-10.
Post scored his second touchdown on a 16-yard run in the third quarter to cut the lead to 31-17.
Cumberlands answered with a touchdown of its own to take a 38-17 lead at the end of the third.
Post connected with senior wide receiver Da’marco Canty on a four-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 38-24, but just under four minutes later, the Patriots matched it with another touchdown to lead 45-24.
Junior running back Monalo Caldwell scored the Saints’ final points with a two-yard touchdown run to make the final score, 45-31.
Thomas More is 3-7 on the season and 1-5 in the Mid-South Bluegrass Division.
The Saints close out the year next Saturday on Senior Day at BB&T Field with as visit from Pikeville at 1:30 p.m.
-Staff report