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DANVILLE, Va.- Christopher Newport jumped to an early lead Saturday night and never looked back as the Captains downed Averett at Daly Field, 38-7. The win improved CNU's record to 4-3 overall and 4-1 atop the USA South Athletic Conference. The tilt was the first ever under the lights at Averett, and spoiled the Cougars Homecoming.

"We worked hard this week and it showed tonight," Head Coach Matt Kelchner said. "We were down four starters on defense and still came together and played well. Now we've got to continue and carry this momentum forward to next week."

CNU led 28-0 at halftime and cruised through an uneventful second half to the 31-point victory. Senior quarterback Marcus Morrast threw for a score to junior fullback Austin Browne and also ran for a five-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to cap the scoring. Morrast finished the evening with 157 yards passing and 93 yards rushing.

Sophomore running back Daquan Davis scored on touchdown runs of 16 and two yards in the first half to give the Captains a 14-0 edge. Davis finished the night with 100 yards on 22 carries.

Christopher Newport's defense intercepted three passes, including a 91-yard runback from junior Cameron Barlow in the second quarter for a score. The "pick six" was the longest ever in CNU football history, surpassing Barlow's own record return of 65 yards last season at Ferrum. Tyrell Eaton and Wes Austin also intercepted Averett pass attempts.

CNU played without defensive starters Mic Edwards, Jalen Nellum, Jared Launder, and James Faircloth due to injuries. The Captains also changed several defensive positions through the week in preparation for the road battle.

Senior wide receiver Rudy Rudolph caught three passes for 85 yards to set a new school mark for all-time receptions with 133. He moved ahead of George Jones on the career reception list.

Senior kicker/punter Mason Studer connected on a 39-yard field goal in the third quarter and was also five-for-five on extra point attempts. Studer now has 80 career extra points, tying him with Jay Graham for the all-time school record.

The Captains are now tied with Huntingdon and Maryville at 4-1 atop the USA South. Methodist and North Carolina Wesleyan are 3-1 following Saturday's play.

Averett falls to 1-5 overall and 0-4 in the USA South. CNU has now won 12 of 14 games over AU in the all-time series.

Christopher Newport will host Greensboro (1-5, 1-3) next Saturday night at POMOCO Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and the game will come during Homecoming Weekend festivities at CNU.