The Cumberland Jr. Clippers varsity team opened its season with a 26–0 win over Oakwood, finding the end zone four times and keeping the Raiders off the scoreboard.
Manny Withee ran for two touchdowns. Quarterback Rome Cruz added another on the ground, then delivered through the air, finding Donovan Martell deep on a flag route for Cumberland's fourth score. Martell gave Cruz a reliable target when the Clippers looked downfield.
The final margin could have been wider. Three more apparent Cumberland touchdowns were called back by penalties, leaving the Jr. Clippers with a clear point of emphasis even after a convincing first win.
Defense Closes the Door
Jacob Evans added a late interception to a shutout effort that gave Oakwood little room to recover.
One defensive sequence stood out. Lucas “Dozer” Taylor drove through the line and hit the Oakwood quarterback, who bounced right into open space and looked downfield. Withee reacted from strong safety, closed that space in a flash and brought the quarterback down for a sack.
There was plenty for Cumberland to celebrate in its opener: production from Cruz and Withee on offense, a deep connection with Martell, and a defense that finished the day with a zero on the scoreboard. The penalties offer work for the week ahead.
