The Captains played their final home game against the College of New Jersey. The seniors were honored and the Captains looked to continue their outstanding level of play.

Despite a comeback bid from the College of New Jersey, the Captains held them off and won 24-21, marking their sixth straight win and maintaining their undefeated record in conference play.

The Captains began the game with the football. A run from Fifth Year Senior Ty Crabb and an 18-yard reception from Freshman running back Gunner White put the Captains in the College of New Jersey territory. The ten play, 78 yard drive was capped off with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Junior quarterback Matt Dzierski to Freshman wide receiver Trey Hayes.

On the College of New Jersey’s first play on offense, Junior defensive back Shawn Hamilton intercepted a pass, giving the Captains offense a chance to extend the lead. The ensuing possession was concluded with a field goal from Junior kicker Ryan Castle which gave the Captains an early 10-0 lead.

A series of punts from both TCNJ and the Captains kept the score at 10-0 heading into the second quarter. Completions to Trey Hayes and to Senior wide receiver Xander Jedlick put the Captains deep into TCNJ’s territory. A 23-yard pass to Trey Lancaster extended the Captains lead to 17. This lead went into halftime, giving the Captains a more than comfortable lead to coast onto.

However, the Captains have proven that not many leads are safe. A 55 yard rushing touchdown from TCNJ cut the lead to 17-7. A punt from both teams gave the Captains possession of the football. Two big runs from Gunner White gave the Captains a 24-7 lead with just under eight minutes left in the third quarter. The College of New Jersey responded with a touchdown of their own, cutting the lead back down to ten.

A punt from the Captains offense gave the College of New Jersey possession once again. A passing touchdown got most of the Captains holding on to a slim 24-21 lead over the College of New Jersey.

A 69 yard completion to Trey Hayes that would have put the Captains deep into TCNJ territory was called back due to an offensive pass interference penalty. TCNJ did not respond to the struggles of the Captains offense. Instead, they punted on all of their possessions in the fourth quarter, allowing the Captains defense to become an intimidating force that has come into its own lately.

This gave the Captains their sixth win in a row, improving their record to 7-2 and keeping them undefeated in New Jersey Athletic Conference play.

Next Saturday, Christopher Newport University (7-2) will face Salisbury University (8-1) in their final regular season game in Salisbury, Maryland. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM.