WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – Warner University Football battled throughout its second road contest of the 2026 season, rallying from an early deficit before ultimately falling 35-21 to the University of the Cumberlands Patriots on Saturday afternoon at Williamsburg, Kentucky.
The Royals found themselves trailing 16-0 early in the second quarter before beginning to chip away at the Patriots' lead. Warner's offense put together an eight-play, 44-yard scoring drive, capped by a four-yard touchdown run from Joshua Dudley with 3:49 remaining in the first half. Nicholas Andreopoulos added the extra point to cut the deficit to 16-7.
Just over two minutes later, the Royals' special teams provided another spark.
Trevarus Walker fielded a Cumberlands punt and raced 82 yards down the field for a touchdown, electrifying the Warner sideline and bringing the Royals within two points at 16-14. Andreopoulos converted the extra point, giving Warner its second touchdown in a span of just over two minutes.
The Patriots responded with a late touchdown drive before halftime, taking a 23-14 advantage into the break.
Cumberlands extended its lead to 26-14 with a 44-yard field goal early in the third quarter, but the Royals continued to fight. Warner orchestrated an impressive nine-play, 85-yard scoring drive that consumed more than four minutes, with Joshua Dudley finding the end zone for the second time on a two-yard touchdown run. Andreopoulos' extra point brought Warner back within five at 26-21 with 1:35 remaining in the third quarter.
The Patriots answered with a touchdown of their own with five seconds remaining in the quarter to push their advantage to 33-21. Cumberlands added a safety in the fourth quarter to account for the final 35-21 margin.
Despite the final score, Warner showed offensive progress throughout the contest, accumulating 312 total yards, including 198 through the air and 114 on the ground. The Royals also converted five of seven fourth-down opportunities and recorded 20 first downs.
Quarterback Raleigh Allen led the Warner passing attack, completing 16-of-33 attempts for 198 yards. Allen also contributed 40 rushing yards on 11 carries.
On the ground, Deejay Grimes paced the Royals with 43 rushing yards on 14 carries, while Allen added 40 yards. Dudley provided the scoring punch, rushing for 10 yards and two touchdowns.
Warner's receiving corps was led by Mark Hanniford, who hauled in four receptions for 71 yards, including a 34-yard reception. Edward Lake added 38 receiving yards on one catch, while Cameron Dixon recorded two receptions for 35 yards.
Special teams remained a major highlight for the Royals, with Walker's 82-yard punt return touchdown marking Warner's lone punt return of the afternoon. The Royals finished with 82 punt-return yards on the day.
Defensively, Warner continued to compete against a Cumberlands offense that finished with 504 total yards. The Royals forced one interception, with Jhavin Westbrook coming down with the takeaway in the second quarter. Warner's defense also recorded six tackles for loss and a sack, while Westbrook finished with a team-high nine tackles.
Warner returns to Lakeland next weekend for its highly anticipated first home game of the 2026 season.
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Up Next
The Royals return home for the first time in 2026 when they host Georgetown College (Ky.) on Saturday, September 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Lakeland Christian School.
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