MONTCLAIR, NJ – Christopher Newport suffered a 24-0 setback Saturday to Montclair State, dropping the Captains to 1-5 overall and 1-2 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The Red Hawks, now 3-3 and 2-1, forced five turnovers, and the shutout was just the third in the 19-year history of the Captains program.
 
A Homecoming crowd of 3.023 gathered at Sprague Field on a sunny and cool day to watch the fifth meeting of the programs. Following a scoreless opening quarter, the Red Hawks used a big play to get on the board on the first play of the second. Junior quarterback Ja'Quill Burch connected with senior wide receiver Kason Campbell on a 54-yard scoring pass to open a 7-0 lead. It would turn out to be the only score the Red Hawks would need. MSU added a second quarter field goal and held a 10-0 advantage at halftime. The Hawks would add third and fourth quarter touchdowns to coast to the 24-0 victory.
 
Christopher Newport started freshman Xander Jedlick at quarterback for the second straight week. Jedlick suffered a first half thumb injury and was replaced by senior Jack Anderson, who played the entire second half. Jedlick was 5 of 13 passing for 47 yards and Anderson connected on 3 of 12 throws for 13 yards. Both quarterbacks were intercepted twice and the Captains also turned the ball over on a fumble.
 
The Captains managed to gain just 75 yards on the ground and 60 yards through the air against the stingy Red Hawks defense. Montclair State out-gained Christopher Newport in yardage for the day, 339-135.
 
Junior wide receiver Garrison Mayo caught seven passes for 58 yards. On the defensive side, sophomore Tiavonte McLaughlin and junior Sean Wilkinson each recorded nine tackles, and Wilkinson also made a sack. Seniors Austin Brown and Ben James each made seven stops, and James posted a sack.
                                                                                                                                   
The MSU victory marked the 250^thcareer win for Head Coach Rick Giancola, who is in his 37^thseason leading the Red Hawks.
 
The Captains return to TowneBank Stadium next Saturday, October 26^th, to host the Lions of the College of New Jersey. Kickoff time is set for 3:00 p.m., and the game will be a part of Homecoming Weekend at Christopher Newport University.