Union, N.J. (10/26/24) – The Kean University football team fell to Christopher Newport University, 32-21, on Saturday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After a scoreless first quarter, the Captains used just two plays to march down the field for the game's first score. Connor Barry found Colin Hart for an 83-yard touchdown reception and a quick 7-0 lead after the extra point.
On their next possession the two connected again, this time for 51 yards to put CNU inside the redzone. One play later, Barry's 15 yard pass to Jayson Viernes increased the advantage to 13-0. After a penalty backup the extra point attempt, the Captains missed the kick to keep the score at 13.
Kean answered on their next drive and used nine plays and four plus minutes to march 70 yards down the field. Robbie Nungesser's pass to John Kountouris for eight yards completed the drive. George Chrissafis kicked through the extra point as Kean cut the deficit in half.
With time expiring Maxx Lawton hit a 22-yard field goal to up the Captains advantage before the break.
The Cougars used their opening drive of the second half to pull within two as Jaylen Gundy hauled in a 16-yard completion and Chrissafis notched the extra point.
Two big pass plays on the next CNU possession pushed the lead to 22-14. Barry registered a 46-yard completion to Trey Hayes and rushed the final three yards on the next play for a touchdown. The Captains went for two, but the attempt failed.
Christopher Newport expanded their lead to 29-14 with a seven play, 95-yard drive, capped by a three-yard rush from Gunner White.
The Cougars responded in the fourth quarter as Nungesser capped an eight play, 64-yard drive with a 10-yard rush for the touchdown.
CNU sealed the win later in the quarter as Lawton nailed a 23-yard field goal to push ahead, 32-21 with just over two minutes to go.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
Nungesser was 18-of-28 for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
Sean Mena finished with 10 tackles and a quarterback hurry while Chris Amos added four tackles, a force fumble and a breakup.
For CNU, Barry was 17-of-22 for 389 yards and two touchdowns in the air along with another on the ground. Hart had six receptions for 192 yards and a touchdown.
UP NEXT:
Kean hosts Franklin and Marshall in non-conference action next Saturday.
