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UNION, N.J. - Christopher Newport University football looks to continue its winning ways Saturday afternoon when the 13th-ranked Captains take on the Cougars of Kean University. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Alumni Stadium on the Kean campus.

Paul Crowley's squad is 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). The Captains have won 19 consecutive regular season games dating back to 2024, and last Saturday recorded a 49-3 home victory over William Paterson University at TowneBank Stadium. Kean is 1-2 on the season, and the Cougars are 0-1 in NJAC play after falling to Montclair State, 42-14, last Saturday.

CNU's defense has been spectacular over the first month of the season. The Captains have allowed an average of just six points per game over the first four games of the season, and are ranked third in the country in scoring defense behind only Concordia-Morehead and Trinity (CT). Christopher Newport is also third in the nation in total defense, yielding an average of just 190 yards per game. Senior Noah Martin, who has led the squad in tackles in each of the last two seasons, is again at the top of the tackle board with 22 through the first four victories. CNU has also posted 16 sacks against opposing quarterbacks.

On the offensive side of the ball, Brandon Pena has been a steady force in the pocket. The sophomore quarterback has had a solid start to the season, and has completed almost 74 percent of his passes (56 of 76). He is currently tenth in the nation in passing efficiency (193.91). Pena has thrown for nine touchdowns, run for a score, and thrown just one interception. He is averaging almost 190 yards per game passing. Pena has connected with six different Captains for his nine scores this year, and his top target has been senior tight end Ethan Barham, who has made 11 catches for 240 yards and two scores.

CNU and Kean will be meeting for the 12th time, with the Captains holding a 6-5 edge in the all-time series. Christopher Newport has won the last four vs. Kean, but the Cougars are 4-3 all-time at home vs. the Captains. Last season at TowneBank Stadium, Christopher Newport registered a 49-0 victory over the Cougars.

Links are provided at the top of this story to watch the game online, as well as to listen to the CNU Radio broadcast. Links above also can access the complete game notes package, and the live stats of the Saturday matinee. Following Saturday's game at Kean, the Captains will return to the Garden State again next Saturday, October 17th. CNU will play at Montclair State University with kickoff scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at MSU's Rick Giancola-Sprague Field.