WILLIAMSBURG — The Patriot Football program look to build on a 6-4 finish from 2017 as the 2018 season approaches quickly. Less than two months from the season opener, head coach Matt Rhymer and staff are prepping for the team to make their way onto campus and get back on the gridiron. An 11-game regular season schedule sits in front of the Patriots this year, the first since 2005.

UC continues to compete in the Appalachian Division of the Mid-South Conference in 2018 which includes Bluefield College, Point University, the University of Pikeville, Reinhardt University, St. Andrews University and Union College. The Patriots have six home contests along with five road games.

They open their season this year on the road on Aug. 25 in Lakeland, Florida as they face the Fire of Southeastern University. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Following the season opener, the Patriots will be the host for three consecutive weeks of non-conference play at James H. Taylor, II Stadium. On Sept. 1, the Patriots will take on the Eagles of Cincinnati Christian University at 7 p.m. They follow on Sept. 8 with a contest at 1:30 p.m. against Faulkner University. The final game of the three-game home stand comes on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. versus Campbellsville University.

“I think early on we will have some great tests,” said coach Rhymer. “In the first half of the season, we play four teams that have played in the NAIA Football Championship Series recently. These are all top 25 teams. These types of games are where you find out what you are about.

“The Southeastern game in Lakeland, Florida in late August will set the tone. It will be an electric environment and great experience for our guys. Then, we get to play at home for three weeks in a row. We added the 11th game, and I like that because these kids want to compete as much as possible, giving us six home games”

UC returns to the road for their final non-conference action on Sept. 22 as they go north to Grayson to take on the Knights of Kentucky Christian University. Kickoff is slated for 1:30 p.m. Then, the Patriots return to Taylor Stadium for their Appalachian Division opener on Sept. 29 against 2017 NAIA National Championship Runner-Up Reinhardt University at 7 p.m.

The month of October sees the Patriots on the road for the first half with the final half being at home. On Oct. 6, the Patriots travel to Barbourville for the “Battle for the Brass Lantern” against the Bulldogs of Union College at 7 p.m. UC then travels south for the final time in the regular season as they pay a visit to Point University on Oct. 13 for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.

Bluefield College will visit Williamsburg on Oct. 20 for a divisional contest with a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Patriots’ Senior Day will be held on Oct. 27 with a 1:30 p.m. start time as UC hosts the Knights of St. Andrews University. The regular season finale will be held two weeks later in Pikeville as the Patriots travel to take on the Bears at 6 p.m. on Nov. 10.

Coach Rhymer added, “We are excited about the schedule for many reasons. Nine of our 11 games will be played in the state of Kentucky. Playing the games is what you work all year for. This team is full of great players and great leaders that are determined to play championship football. At this point, we are counting days until we get a chance to compete and play Cumberlands football.”