Christopher Newport University

SELINSGROVE, PA – Christopher Newport University scored on three big plays Saturday, and the 17^th-ranked Captains improved to 3-0 with a 21-0 victory over 14^th-ranked Susquehanna University. The victory marked the first time in the 26-year history of the CNU program the Captains have shut out a Top 25-ranked opponent.
 
Freshman wide receiver Braylon Addy scored twice, reaching the end zone on a 49-yard first quarter run as well as a third quarter 61-yard scoring reception from sophomore quarterback Brandon Pena. CNU's defense not only held the River Hawks scoreless, but also contributed a score when junior cornerback Eddie Henderson returned an interception 60 yards for a score in the second quarter.
 
The Captains defense forced six turnovers, four fumbles and two interceptions, on a rainy and breezy afternoon at Amos Alonzo Stagg Field at Doug Arthur Stadium. CNU also recorded five sacks and held the River Hawks to just 253 total yards for the day.
 
"It was a great effort by our defense and hats off to Defensive Coordinator Mario Byrd and all of our defensive coaches," Head Coach Paul Crowley said following the triumph. "Their game plan was exceptional and when you combine that preparation with a high level of excitement, good things happen."
 
Susquehanna fell to 3-1 with the loss, and the shutout performance by Crowley's squad came against an SU team that was averaging 37.7 points per game, and had scored 49 last week in a road victory at Johns Hopkins. Senior Noah Martin led the defensive unit with nine tackles, and also intercepted a pass for the second consecutive game. Sophomore Nico Orlando logged seven stops and recorded a sack.
 
Addy led the Captains in rushing (70 yards on two attempts) and receiving (115 yards on three catches). He opened the scoring just 1:44 into the game with his 49-yard scoring run, scored less than two minutes into the third quarter on the 61-yard scoring strike from Pena. The Bristow, Va., native also scored two times in CNU's last game, a 37-7 victory at Western Connecticut State on September 12^th.
 
The game, played in front of a Homecoming crowd of 2,000, marked the third meeting of the programs in the last two seasons. CNU and Susquehanna split a pair of games last year, both at TowneBank Stadium on the Christopher Newport campus.
 
The Captains return to their home field next Saturday, October 3^rd, to open play in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). CNU will host William Paterson University in a 1:00 p.m. kickoff at TowneBank Stadium. The game will be a part of Homecoming and Hall of Fame Weekend celebrations on the CNU campus. The Pioneers will enter play next Saturday with an 0-3 record after falling at home in overtime to Moravian Saturday, 19-16.
 
"It's going to be good to see a big group of alums back next weekend," Crowley concluded. "It's been almost a month since we've played on our home field and I know the atmosphere will be electric."