Photo Courtesy of Susquehanna Athletics
By Marquis Frias, Sports Editor
No.17 Christopher Newport pulled off a 21-0 upset win against No.14 Susquehanna on their homecoming Saturday at Doug Arthur Stadium.
The history between the two couldn’t have been ignored, as just last year the two schools met twice. Once in the regular season where the Captains (4-0) upset the River Hawks (3-1) and again in the second round of the National DIII Playoffs where Susquehanna got their revenge, ending Christopher Newport’s season.
From the opening kickoff, the weather conditions included on and off rain throughout all four quarters, which played a heavy factor in the score and turnover numbers.
The Captains wasted scoring the game’s first points after freshman wide receiver Braylon Addy rushed for a 49 yard touchdown on the team’s opening drive. Susquehanna failed to respond on their opening drive after a sack from freshman defensive lineman Dereon Knight forced a River Hawks punt.
From there, both teams traded drives that ultimately led to no points scored. The first quarter didn’t see much other than Addy’s rushing touchdown, as it seemed both teams were getting acclimated to the game.
However in the second quarter, the Captains would make a statement with another exciting play, as Susquehanna’s quarterback Tommy Wright threw an interception to junior defensive back Eddie Henderson, who returned it for a 43 yard pick six. The exciting play was the first defensive score for the Captains this season, and Wright’s second thrown pick-six this year.
Christopher Newport’s defense created havoc all throughout the second quarter, as they were able to force two fumbles in the period.
“I thought our defense played excellent,” Christopher Newport Head Coach said. “This was one of the most physical games I’ve been a part of on the defensive side of the ball. I thought those guys played their hearts out.”
The Captain’s shutdown defense gave their team all the momentum and a 14-0 lead heading into halftime. After the two teams emerged from the locker rooms for the third quarter, it seemed Christopher Newport still held on to that momentum as they scored a touchdown just two plays into their opening drive of the second half.
Sophomore quarterback Brandon Pena found Addy over the middle, who was able to break free again, this time for a 61 yard receiving touchdown to give his team the 21-0 advantage.
The River Hawks offensively couldn’t get anything going, only putting up 96 rushing yards and 157 passing yards. It was the first time all season that Susquehanna was held under 100 rushing yards and 200 passing yards in a game.
The turnovers also didn’t help for Susquehanna as well, as the River Hawks fumbled the ball five times, two of which were in the redzone. Wright also threw two interceptions in his first start on his home turf.
“I think we were very very sloppy in all three phases of the game,” Susquehanna Head Coach Chris Pincice said. “Can’t turn the football over six times and expect to win a football game at this level.”
Pena finished the day going 12-18 passing with 155 yards and a touchdown pass. His top receiver was Addy who finished with three receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown. Addy didn’t stop there as he also rushed for 70 yards on two carries while also adding a touchdown.
“I think he’s continuing to grow. There’s some plays he probably left out there today… but he’s grown and learning as a sophomore and the offense is rallying around him,” Crowley said about his quarterback Pena.
Meanwhile for the River Hawks, Wright recorded 13 completions on 30 attempts with 153 passing yards and two touchdowns. The River Hawks offense only gained 253 total yards of offense against The Captains defense.
With the loss, Susquehanna will move to their bye week where they will have two weeks to prepare for their first Landmark Conference game against Catholic University Saturday, Oct 10 at 12 p.m. in Washington, DC.