NEWPORT NEWS, Va.- A new era begins Saturday for the Christopher Newport University football program, as the Captains begin play in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. CNU plays host to the Lions of the College of New Jersey at POMOCO Stadium. Kickoff time is set for 4:00 p.m. for the season opener for both schools.

"This is a very exciting time for our program," Head Coach Matt Kelchner said prior to heading to practice on Thursday afternoon. "It's always invigorating to begin a new season, but this year is really unique due to the fact we're going into a new conference. The NJAC will provide a great challenge for us, and the College of New Jersey Saturday will be one of many tough tests."

The Captains are coming off an 8-4 season in 2014 that saw them advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. CNU captured the USA South title for the tenth time in 14 seasons of membership as the Captains concluded their conference domination. Now, they will face a whole new group of opponents as the conference landscape changes.

"It will certainly be different, but don't forget we've played Salisbury, Kean, Rowan, Frostburg State and Wesley in the past," Kelchner continued. "Obviously we've also matched up with Hampden-Sydney in non-conference games...but the other four schools on the schedule (College of New Jersey, Montclair State, William Paterson and Southern Virginia) will be all new. I feel good about our group...our players and coaching staff have worked hard since coming into camp last month and we'll see how it goes. We've got a good mix of veterans and newcomers and we're hungry to get on the playing field."

Saturday's game will mark the 150th in CNU program history as the Captains begin their 15th season. Kelchner has led the program from the inception, and has posted an overall record of 98-51 with ten NCAA appearances in 14 seasons.

The Lions of the College of New Jersey are coming off a 2-8 season in 2014 as they open the new year in Newport News. Head Coach Wayne Dickens begins his third season leading the school, which is located in Ewing, New Jersey.

Tickets will be on sale outside POMOCO Stadium Saturday beginning at 2:00 p.m. and gates will open at 3:00 p.m.

The game will be broadcast live on the Christopher Newport/Pepsi Radio Network (Xtra 99.1 FM) and live audio and video will be available at CNUsports.com/live with the pre-game show beginning at 3:30 p.m.

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