Last weekend was Homecoming Weekend. CNU Alumni showed up, many different organizations hosted tailgates, and the football team played at home against William Paterson University. The Captains lived up to the festivities around campus and an overwhelming second half led to a 31-7 victory. This was the Captains fourth win in a row and it improved their record to 5-2.

The scoring started when Junior linebacker Michael Evans intercepted a William Paterson pass and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown, giving the Captains an early lead. After punts from both teams, William Paterson tied the game early in the second quarter with an eight play, 38 yard drive. After that possession, the Captains reclaimed the lead thanks to an 18-yard pass from Junior quarterback Matt Dzierski to Freshman wide receiver Colin Hart.

After a punt from William Paterson and a turnover on downs from the Captains, William Paterson got the football at the 50 yard-line. A penalty on third and long extended their possession. However, an interception from Junior defensive back Shawn Hamilton gave the Captains the football in William Paterson territory. The subsequent possession resulted in a touchdown, but was then negated due to a penalty, resulting in a 14-7 Captains lead at halftime.

The momentum began to shift in the second half. A punt from William Paterson began the second half. The Captains then kicked a field goal from Senior kicker Ryan Castle which extended the lead to 17-7. The Captains defense forced another punt from William Paterson which ended the third quarter with a ten point lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Captains were in cruise control. Their first possession of the fourth quarter lasted one play when Matt Dzierski completed a 50 yard touchdown pass to Colin Hart which put the Captains up 24-7. A punt from William Paterson gave the Captains the football in which they embarked on a 13 play, 65 yard drive that ended with an 8 yard run from running back Adam Luncher. This sealed the victory for the Captains and improved their season record to 5-2. This equals their win total from last season (5-5) and it is the Captains first four-game winning streak since 2018.

While the Captains offense made the most out of every possession they had, the defense was ultimately the reason they won this game. They held William Paterson to seven first downs and 99 total yards. They also had two interceptions, one being returned for a touchdown.

Up next, the Captains (5-2) will face Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM.