NEWPORT NEWS, Va.- POMOCO Stadium will host a key USA South Athletic Conference matchup Saturday night, as the Captains of Christopher Newport take on the Monarchs of Methodist University. Kickoff time is set for 7:00 p.m. for the Family Weekend showdown. CNU is 1-2 overall, while Methodist is 2-1. Both squads won their conference openers last week.

"It's certainly an important game, they're all important games," Head Coach Matt Kelchner said. "We need to keep improving week-to-week as we have so far this season. Saturday night will be a tough test, but I'm sure we'll be ready."

The Captains are coming off their first win of the season last Thursday, 31-28, at North Carolina Wesleyan. CNU has had extra time to prepare for the Monarchs due to the Thursday game last week. The Monarchs needed overtime at home last Saturday to defeat Huntingdon, 41-34.

Christopher Newport has averaged 31 points per game on offense, led by senior quarterback Marcus Morrast, who has thrown four touchdown passes and also run for four scores.

"Marcus has done a very good job managing our offense," Kelchner continued. "He has improved steadily throughout his career, and has really worked hard to get where he is."

Methodist also has excelled on the offensive side of the ball, averaging 32 points per game. Monarchs starting quarterback Max Reber, also a senior, has thrown for six scores and is averaging 273 yards per game passing.

On the defensive side of the ball, both teams have struggled to date. CNU is giving up on average 35 points per game, while the Monarchs are yielding 36 points per contest.

The conference tilt is the 14th in the all-time series, with the Captains holding a 9-4 edge. Methodist, however, has won the last two meetings including a 24-21 triumph last season in Fayeteville, N.C.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., with gates opening at 6:00 p.m. Tickets will be on sale at POMOCO Stadium gates beginning at 5:00 p.m.

The game will be broadcast live on the Christopher Newport/Pepsi Radio Network (Xtra 99.1 FM) and audio and video will be available at CNUsports.com/live with the pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m.

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