UPDATE: Christopher Newport University (CNU) has just made history, finishing its first unbeaten regular season in football with a decisive 27-7 victory over The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) on Friday night in Ewing. This marks a significant milestone for the Captains, who now boast a perfect 10-0 record.
In this thrilling matchup, Colin Hart etched his name in the record books, becoming the all-time receptions leader for CNU, catching seven passes for 101 yards. Meanwhile, quarterback Connor Barry, a top candidate for All-American honors, showcased his skills by completing 18 of 26 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 33 yards and another touchdown on just seven carries.
CNU’s victory extends their winning streak to an impressive 15 games, dating back to last season. Coach Paul Crowley and his team, currently ranked seventh by d3football.com, await the announcement of their playoff bracket, which will be revealed at 5 p.m. Sunday on NCAA.com. The Captains are expected to secure a first-round bye and could potentially host a game in the round of 32.
The game began with tension, as both teams remained scoreless until Zavier Kennedy broke the deadlock with a 2-yard touchdown run at the 7:20 mark of the second quarter, capping an impressive 88-yard, 19-play drive. Just minutes later, Barry connected with Josh Powell for an 11-yard TD pass, giving CNU a commanding 14-0 lead at halftime.
Barry continued to shine, adding a 2-yard TD run on the first possession of the third quarter, extending the lead to 21-0. TCNJ finally found the end zone with 10:44 left in the fourth quarter, as Joe Visaggio scored on a 17-yard run, concluding a robust 10-play, 80-yard drive. Barry capped off the scoring with a 3-yard TD pass to White with just 1:54 remaining in the game.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming playoffs, fans and players alike are eager to see how CNU will perform in the postseason. With a perfect record and a powerful offense, the Captains aim to make a deep run in the tournament. Stay tuned for further updates as details unfold!
