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LaGRANGE, GA.- The anticipated high-scoring battle Saturday night at Callaway Stadium never materialized, thanks to the Christopher Newport defensive effort of the season. The Captains held the high-scoring Panthers to just 10 points in a 13-10 win.

CNU, now 6-2 on the season and 3-2 in the USA South, held on in the final minutes and spoiled the head coaching debut of Matt Mumme, who replaced Todd Mooney earlier this week at LaGrange.

"This was a great defensive effort," Head Coach Matt Kelchner said. "Our guys really worked hard, and made some great stands. This was a thrilling victory."

CNU sacked LaGrange quarterback Graham Craig five times and also intercepted a pass. Craig, who was averaging four touchdown passes per game, didn't throw any against CNU's defense and was held to 268 passing yards.

The Captains scored on a one-yard plunge from sophomore Paul Dukes in the second quarter to break a 3-3 tie. CNU held a 10-3 advantage at the half.

Junior kicker Mason Studer drilled his second field goal of the game in the third quarter to give the Captains a 13-3 lead.

The Panthers posted their only touchdown late in the third quarter to cut the lead to 13-10. The CNU defense was able to hold LaGrange scoreless through the fourth quarter to preserve the triumph.

LaGrange squandered a fourth quarter scoring opportunity thanks to a penalty that negated a touchdown reception, and three passes that went off hands of receivers in the endzone. The Panthers then missed a game-tying field goal attempt to end the drive.

The Captains were led on defense by sophomore Mic Edwards, who posted 11 tackles. Senior Tyler Portell contributed 10 tackles, including three for losses, in the victory.

CNU junior quarterback Marcus Morrast rushed for 66 yards and completed six of 11 passes for 80 yards.

"We really pieced this together," Kelchner continued. "We had some guys not with us due to injury, and we really had to come together. This is a tough trip, and we really had to hold it together."

LaGrange falls to 3-5 on the season and 3-3 in the USA South.

The Captains return to POMOCO Stadium next Saturday. CNU will host Averett during Homecoming Weekend. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.