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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport University returns to TowneBank Stadium on Saturday for the first of three consecutive New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) home games. The Captains, 6-0 overall and 3-0 in the NJAC, host the Spartans of Vermont State Castleton University. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. for the Family Weekend tilt.

"The atmosphere at TowneBank Stadium is always fantastic, and Family Weekend is really special," Head Coach Paul Crowley said. "We've been away the last two weeks and it's good to know we've got three in a row coming up at home. We're looking forward to playing in front of our fans and family members, and continuing to improve as a football program."

Christopher Newport has won in New Jersey the last two Saturdays, winning most recently at Montclair State University last Saturday, 21-14. CNU captured its 21st consecutive regular season game despite committing three turnovers, including a fumble late in the fourth quarter. The Christopher Newport defense recorded three interceptions, including one by senior Noah Martin with just 17 seconds remaining to hold off a fourth quarter comeback effort by the Red Hawks.

The running game has been dominant for the Captains in their last two triumphs. Senior running back Jordin Lennon registered his second-straight 100-plus yard performance last Saturday, rushing for 151 yards on 27 carries. Senior running back Alex Jreige also had a big day, contributing 96 yards on 15 attempts. Jreige scored twice in the second quarter, reaching the end zone on a two-yard effort and a four-yard rush, and was named the NJAC's Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.

CNU's defense has been spectacular all season, and  is presently ranked 14th in the country in total defense, allowing an average of just 228 yards per game. The Captains are also ranked 8th in scoring defense, yielding just 9.7 points per game through the first six games of the season. The Captains are 19th in the nation on third down conversions, allowing opponents to convert just 27 percent of the time. CNU is tied for 16th in the country in red zone defense, allowing opponents to score just 57 percent of the time in the red zone.

Christopher Newport is presently ranked tenth in the country in the latest weekly poll from D3football.com. The Captains are slotted eighth in the weekly national poll from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). 

Vermont State Castleton, meanwhile, has a record of 2-4 overall and 0-3 in the NJAC heading into Saturday's game. The Spartans have lost their last three games since a 2-1 start to the season. Last week, Castleton fell at home to Salisbury, 49-0. CNU and Castleton are meeting for the second time, and the Captains traveled to Vermont last October. coming away with a 69-7 victory in the first meeting ever of the schools.

Reserved tickets for Saturday's contest are sold out, and all tailgate passes for the game are also sold out. Standing-room-only tickets will be available for $5.00, with sales beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at TowneBank Stadium, with cash or card accepted. For fans who have already purchased tickets, Will Call will also open at 10 a.m. and is located at the front entrance gates to TowneBank Stadium. If you are picking up tickets at Will Call, please remember to bring a photo ID.

Links are provided at the top of this story to watch the game online, view the live stats, as well as to access the complete game notes package.

Following Saturday's game, the Captains will begin preparations to play Rowan University next Saturday, October 31st. Kickoff will be at 1:00 p.m. at TowneBank Stadium.