NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Saturday was another impressive day for the Christopher Newport University football squad, as the Captains improved to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). Paul Crowley's squad blanked the Cougars of Kean University, 49-0, at TowneBank Stadium in Homecoming Weekend action. The shutout was the first for CNU since the opening game of 2023.

"Certainly one of the better performances of the year in all phases of the game," Crowley said assessing his team following the win. "Across the board for the most part, we executed at a high level on offense, defense, and special teams. Playing at home on a beautiful day with a big Homecoming crowd always is helpful giving us a boost as well."

The Captains, ranked 17th in the country last week in the poll from D3football.com, posted 419 total yards in the game and erupted for three scores in a span of just under four minutes in the opening quarter. CNU held a 42-0 edge at the intermission, and scored the only points of the second half on the opening play of the fourth quarter. Junior quarterback Connor Barry threw four touchdown passes, setting a new program record for career TD passes with 43 in just 25 games played.

"I can't say enough about the preparation Connor Barry puts into every game," Crowley said. "Once he does that, his natural talent takes over and it leads to some great results. A lot of people are doing good things around him, but Connor is really the straw stirring the drink right now."

Senior running back Gunner White rushed for 99 yards on 13 carries and reached the end zone twice on scoring runs of nine and two yards. He pushed his career record TD total to 47 in 37 games played, and set a new school record for career touchdowns rushing with 37 (White has also scored ten times on pass receptions).

"Our tight ends and offensive line really created some great holes today and Gunner and our other backs were able to take advantage of it," Crowley continued. "All of our guys up front are really smart and have a great understanding of what we're trying to do, and that's evident in the outcome."

Junior tight end Ethan Barham caught three of Barry's scoring passes, and finished the day with four receptions for 75 yards. Senior wide receiver Colin Hart led the Captains in receiving with five grabs for 84 yards. Sophomore Josh Powell opened the scoring on a 31-yard pass reception from Barry. Freshman Brandon Pena threw his first career touchdown pass for the final score of the day, connecting with sophomore Beau Sahnow on a 31-yard pass play for Sahnow's first career TD reception.

CNU's defense held the Cougars to just 169 total yards for the day, and just 55 yards on the ground. Junior Connor Estrella led the CNU defense with six tackles, including two sacks, and also forced a fumble. The loss was the fifth straight for the Cougars, who are now 1-5 overall and 0-3 in the NJAC. Saturday's victory, on a picture perfect day in front of 3,338 fans, gives CNU a 6-5 edge on Kean in the all-time series, and the Captains have now won the last four games over the Cougars.

The shutout was the first for the Captains since the 2023 season opener when Christopher Newport blanked Southern Virginia, 45-0, at TowneBank Stadium. CNU is averaging 49 points scored per game, fifth in the country, and the Captains have not scored less than 38 in a game this season.

Following Saturday's results, the Captains remain tied for the top spot in the NJAC with Salisbury at 3-0. The Sea Gulls defeated Montclair State University, 56-21, in Montclair, N.J. and Salisbury is also now 6-0 overall. 

Christopher Newport will travel next Saturday to Wayne, N.J., to play William Paterson University. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. The Pioneers are 2-4 overall and 1-2 in the NJAC following a 45-16 Saturday loss at Rowan University.