On the day of the first home opener, the Captains were looking to build on their road victory over Washington and Lee the previous week. A crowd of 3,783 were in attendance and the pregame festivities were better than ever as the Captains looked to improve to 2-0 on the season.

However, the game did not match the optimism around campus. After a slow start, the Captains built a ten point lead deep into the fourth quarter but could not keep it, losing 24-20 to Averett University.

The Captains got off to a fast start by scoring on a 13 play, 82 yard drive that ended with a 16-yard rushing touchdown from junior quarterback Matt Dzierski. This was also the first touchdown of the season for the Captains, as they only managed to kick three field goals in their 9-3 victory against Washington and Lee the previous week.

Averett answered back with a 19 play, 72 yard drive that only resulted in a field goal. A fumble by the Captains and a turnover on downs from Averett gave the Captains a four point lead heading into halftime.

After a punt from Averett on the opening drive of the second half, the Captains kicked a field goal from Senior kicker Ryan Castle to extend the lead to seven. Averett then responded with a touchdown, as quarterback Bryce Jackson found running back Shyheim Washington to tie the game at 10.

After an interception from the Captains offense and a punt from Averett, the fourth quarter ensued. To begin the fourth quarter, the Captains went on an 11 play, 68 yard drive that ended with a touchdown from Freshman running back Gunner White which gave the Captains the lead. An interception on Averett’s next drive was followed by a field goal from the Captains extended the lead to 20-10.

With 3:52 left in the game, it looked like the Captains were going to go on to win the game. However, a 12 play, 62 yard drive from Averett only took two minutes off the clock. After the touchdown, the onside kick was recovered by Averett which started their drive at their own 47 yard line. A 5 play drive that ended with a touchdown gave Averett a 24-20 lead, their first of the game. A final attempt from the Captains went short after quarterback Matt Dzierski ran for a loss of four yards and was then sacked on the final play.

Gunner White led the way in rushing with 78 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown. Colin Hart led the way in receiving with five catches for 77 yards. Dzierski went 11 of 16 with 116 passing yards along with 50 rushing yards on 17 carries.

Next Saturday, Christopher Newport University (1-1) will host the Apprentice School next Saturday at 7:00 PM.