While the Pineville offense found some success against Middlesboro a week ago, it wasn’t enough to prevent a 46-20 defeat at the hands of the Jackets. The loss is the Mountain Lions third of the season.

Matt Golden paced the team in their efforts against Middlesboro with 89 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries. Lawrence Simpson and Reese Capps finished with 34 and 29 yards, respectively.

Capps and Garland Ellis shared snaps at quarterback with Capps netting 55 yards on two completions and Ellis tallying 53 yards and a touchdown on five completions.

Friday night will be homecoming for Pineville when they welcome Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. The Lions have won the last two games against the Panthers and will look to earn a third this week.

Last year, Pineville pulled away for a 37-18 victory on the road against Cumberland Gap. In 2015, the Lions waltzed to a 41-0 shut out.

The Panthers will be entering Friday’s game looking for both revenge and a chance to find the win column again. After starting the season with victories over Union County and Hancock County, Cumberland Gap has dropped a 42-6 loss to Meigs County and a 34-20 loss to Oneida.

Friday’s game will be a test for both defenses. The Panther defense has allowed an average of 25.2 points per game this season. Pineville has allowed 34.2 points per game this year.

Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-302-9090 or on Twitter @AnthonyCloudMDN