WAYNE, N.J. - Christopher Newport University's defense had no answers Saturday for William Paterson University's passing game and sophomore wide receiver Matt Clarke, who caught four touchdown passes and compiled a school and conference record 318 receiving yards. Clarke and freshman quarterback Spencer Lee led the Pioneers to a 48-28 victory over the Captains in New Jersey Athletic Conference play at Wightman Stadium on the WPU campus. 

The Captains, who fell to 2-4 overall and 0-2 in the NJAC, held a 14-6 lead in the second quarter prior to the Pioneers scoring three straight touchdowns, two late in the second quarter and one just after halftime. William Paterson went on to out-score CNU in the second half, 28-14, to record a 20-point victory on an overcast and breezy day in northern New Jersey.

Christopher Newport sophomore quarterback Matt Dzierski completed 22 of 28 pass attempts for 343 yards and three touchdowns. Dzierski hooked up with fifth-year senior Garrison Mayo on a 64-yard scoring strike in the second quarter, and later connected with senior running back Adam Luncher on two touchdown passes from 21 and 34 yards out. Dzierski also ran for a score, a one-yard plunge in the final stanza.

Clarke, however, was the big story, catching 11 passes to get to his record 318 yards receiving. The sophomore's total included scoring plays of 80 and 62 yards. Lee's numbers were also outstanding, completing 20 of 23 throws for 383 yards and five touchdowns. The Pioneers improved their league-leading passing attack, and posted seven touchdowns on 12 possessions in the game.

WPU celebrated Homecoming and Family Day, as 800 fans watched the Pioneers post their first conference win in almost five years. Head Coach Dustin Johnson recorded his first NJAC win following 18 straight defeats. It also marked the first victory for the Pioneers over the Captains in the six-game series history. William Paterson evened its record at 3-3 on the year, and 1-1 in conference action.

The Captains will look to bounce back when they return home next Saturday, October 16th, hosting Montclair State at Kelchner Field at TowneBank Stadium. Kickoff time is set for 1:00 p.m. for the NJAC contest.