NEWPORT NEWS, Va.- It's been an emotional week for the Christopher Newport University football squad. Monday evening, the team learned of the death of Assistant Coach Ed Davis, who died following a short illness. Now, the Captains host a crucial conference game Saturday night at POMOCO Stadium against the top team in the league, Maryville College (5-1, 3-0).

"It's been a rollercoaster week for all of us," Head Coach Matt Kelchner said. "Coach Davis was a big part of our success, he was a great friend and leader, and he's been in our thoughts constantly. We've gone to work to get ready for a football game, just the way he would have wanted us to."

Davis, who was in his third season on Kelchner's staff, coached CNU's quarterbacks and special teams. His funeral will be held in Massachusetts Saturday afternoon.

"Our hearts go out to Coach Davis' family," Kelchner continued. "I know after the funeral, they are all going to get together and watch the video feed of our game against Maryville. Coach Davis loved CNU and this team, and he'll be with us as we move forward."

The Captains are 4-1 and 1-1 in USA South play, and coming off a 20-8 win in the rain last Saturday night over North Carolina Wesleyan at POMOCO Stadium. Maryville has won four straight games and the Fighting Scots are coming off a 47-35 road win last Saturday at LaGrange.

CNU sophomore running back Paul Dukes is coming off a career-high 213 yards rushing last week on 31 carries. Dukes scored on a 33-yard run vs. the Bishops.

The game will be the ninth meeting of the schools, with CNU holding a 7-1 edge in the series. The Captains have won the last three games over the Scots. Last year, CNU won at Maryville, 45-31.

The Scots have a high-powered offense, and are averaging 38.3 points and 490 total yards per game. CNU's defense has allowed an average of just 11 points and 79.8 yards rushing per game.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Gates at POMOCO Stadium will open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door.

All CNU games are broadcast live on the Christopher Newport/Pepsi Radio Network (Xtra 99.1 FM). The pre-game show will begin at 6:30 p.m.

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