NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - It's not a typical opening game for the Christopher Newport football program Saturday night. As the 2017 season kicks off, not only do the Captains begin a new campaign, they also begin a new era in the program's history. Art Link makes his debut as head coach following a 16-year run by Matt Kelchner leading the way. The Captains begin the Art Link era in Buena Vista, Va., by taking on the Knights of Southern Virginia University. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Saturday evening. 

"It's exciting obviously to get going," Link said prior to his team's final pre-season practice. "There's been a lot of build-up and preparation, and now we'll see how it goes. Southern Virginia is a triple-option offense, so our defense will be challenged."

Link, who had served as the defensive coordinator at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., the last three seasons, was hired on January 30th to succeed Kelchner. CNU is coming off a 7-3 record last season and a 6-3 finish in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, good enough for a third-place spot in the conference standings.

"We've had a good camp," Link continued. "Physically, we're a little banged up, but our guys have done a good job of figuring out some new systems. They're ready to get out there in a game that means something."

Christopher Newport returns a strong nucleus of upperclassmen, including five seniors who were NJAC all-conference selections a year ago. Quarterback K.J. Kearney was a first team pick, while linebacker Brennan Gary, defensive back Justus Drakeford, and defensive lineman Chris Coggins were tabbed second team. Tight end Danny Mattson, an honorable mention pick, also returns for the Captains.

Kelchner, who is now an Associate Athletic Director at CNU, posted a 109-60 mark since the program's start in 2001, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament ten times.

The meeting will be the third all-time with the Knights of Southern Virginia. CNU has posted victories by scores of 51-7 and 41-0 in the first two clashes. The Knights were 2-8 last year and have recorded an overall mark of 3-27 over the last three years.

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

Following Saturday's opener, the Captains play their next two games at POMOCO Stadium. CNU hosts Hampden-Sydney (September 9th at 6:00 p.m.) and Frostburg State (September 16th at 7:00 p.m.).

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