NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Football season begins Saturday night for the Captains of Christopher Newport. CNU, coming off a 5-5 season a year ago, hosts Southern Virginia University at POMOCO Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

It will be the first of ten regular-season games for the Captains, and the first of nine New Jersey Athletic Conference battles. Head Coach Art Link, who begins his second season at the helm, is optimistic.

"We've been working hard since camp got started a few weeks back," Link said. "This is our second time around and things were a bit more efficient in our preparation. I think we'll be challenged every week, and we sure can't look past anyone...this is always a very tough league."

The Captains finished fifth last year in the NJAC standings, and are picked to finish in the same spot this year in the conference's pre-season poll of coaches. The Knights of Southern Virginia were 2-8 last season, and 1-8 in conference play. Christopher Newport has won all three previous meetings with the Knights, including a 45-17 verdict last year in Buena Vista.

Saturday's season-opener will be the 180th game in CNU football history, and will start the 18th season for the Captains. CNU has an all-time record of 114-65 for a winning percentage of .637.

Tailgate lots at POMOCO Stadium will open at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, and ticket sales will begin at the stadium at 5:00 p.m. Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. It's the first of five home games for CNU, and the Captains have a 59-27 all-time home record for a winning percentage of .686.

"We're looking forward to a big night," Link said. "I hope the Captains fans come out in big numbers and get this season off on the right foot."

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