Captains Win Conference Opener at Methodist, 26-14
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Christopher Newport evened its record at 2-2 on the season by winning its conference opener Saturday at Methodist, 26-14. CNU led 13-0 at the half and built a 26-0 lead in the first four minutes of the second half.
Sophomore running back Markeese Stovall (Richmond, Va.) scored three of the four touchdowns for the Captains and now has seven scoes in four games. Stovall finished with 73 yards on 21 carries.
Both of Methodist's scores came in the final minute of the fourth quarter. CNU's defense was outstanding, dominating the game throughout.
"I thought we really played well on defense," Head Coach Matt Kelchner said following the road win. "We dominated the game until we cleared the bench late. We made some mistakes late on special teams and we have to work on that."
The Monarchs, now 1-3, converted two onsides kicks in the final minutes of the game, one that led to their first score.
Stovall opened the scoring with a 2-yard run in the opening quarter and then ran seven yards for his second score midway through the second quarter. Stovall's third touchdown came on a 5-yard run early in the third quarter.
CNU opened the second half with a big play as sophomore quarterback Lyndon Garner (Tappahannock, Va.) connected with freshman wide receiver Rudy Rudolph (Chesapeake, Va.) on an 85-yard scoring pass. The play came on the first snap from scrimmage in the third quarter.
Garner was playing in place of Captains starter Christian Woelfel-Monsivais (Fredericksburg, Va.) who suffered an injured knee in the opening half and did not return to the game.
"Lyndon played pretty well, he got better and better," Kelchner continued. "We've got two quarterbacks who can get the job done, now we just have to assess Christian's injury and go from there."
Garner completed nine of 15 attempts for 196 yards. Sophomore wide receiver Kentel Noel (Weems, Va.) caught five balls for 106 yards.
Freshman Marcus Morrast (Stafford, Va.) led the CNU rushing attack with 77 yards on 11 carries.
Senior linebacker Mike King (Centreville, Va.) led the defensive effort with seven tackles.
"Overall, we're getting better and better every week," Kelchner said. "It's good to get our first conference game on the road and look ahead to a home game next Saturday against Shenandoah."
Next Saturday's game at POMOCO Stadium with the Hornets will be a 7 pm start.
