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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. --The Captains of Christopher Newport stand alone atop the USA South following a 38-31 Family Weekend win over Ferrum College Saturday night at POMOCO Stadium.

In front of a crowd of over 6,000, the second largest crowd in CNU Football history, the Captains held off a late rally by Ferrum. CNU won its third straight, improving to 3-2 overall and taking over sole possession of first in the league with a 2-0 record against USA South competition. 

CNU has now won 14 straight USA South games dating back to 2010.

Sophomore Marcus Morrast, inserted into the starting lineup at quarterback, rushed for two scores and threw for three more to lead the Captains offense against the Panthers.

"We decided Monday that Marcus was our best option," Head Coach Matt Kelchner said. "Aaron Edwards was banged up with a shoulder and ankle injury, and we just felt Marcus gave us the best shot. He really came through and had an amazing game."

Morrast scored on runs of one and two yards. His second score in the fourth quarter, the two-yard scamper, proved to be the deciding margin. Morrast connected on passing scores with Rudy Rudolph (65 yards), Zack Stevens (18 yards) and Chris Coiner (14 yards). He was only six for nine throwing, but half of his completions went for scores. Morrast also ran for 57 yards on 18 carries.

The Captains jumped to a 14-0 lead early and then built a 31-17 lead at the half. After a scoreless third quarter, CNU opened a 38-17 lead before Ferrum came storming back again. 

Ferrum quarterback Tim Reynolds, also a sophomore, ran for two touchdowns (one and six yards) and also threw a 12-yard scoring pass to B.J. Jennings with 3:40 to play in the fourth quarter. The TD pulled the Panthers to within seven, 38-31, but the Captains were able to run out the clock for the victory.

"Ferrum is a really good squad," Kelchner continued. "We knew this wouldn't be easy. Reynolds can beat you running or throwing and overall I think our defense did a pretty good job. We gave up 31 points but we still got it done when we needed to."

CNU freshman running back Paul Dukes rushed for 132 yards on 25 carries to lead the Captains in the rushing column.

"A big tip of the cap to Coach Dan Antolik and our offensive line tonight," Kelchner said. "Morrast, Dukes and Markeese Stovall (86 yards) all had some great blocking in front of them. The o-line did a terrific job."

Ferrum's Tyler Brubaker led all rushers with 143 yards on 10 carries and scored on a 15-yard pitch play. Brubaker also caught four passes for 107 yards, and posted 46 yards on two kickoff returns giving him 296 total yards for the game.

Ferrum falls to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the USA South. The Captains are now also 3-2 and 2-0 in conference play.

The crowd of 6,137 is the second-largest in CNU football history behind only last year's 6,141 fans for the North Carolina Wesleyan game.

Christopher Newport hosts LaGrange (1-4, 1-1) next Saturday night at 7 p.m. at POMOCO Stadium.