CNU Tops Shenandoah

WINCHESTER, Va. - Visiting Christopher Newport University converted a pair of turnovers into what proved to be the game-winning points in a 20-7 non-league football victory over Shenandoah Saturday night.

In the first-ever non-league football meeting between the two schools, CNU (1-2) took advantage of a first quarter fumble to grab the early lead and then clinched the victory with a pick-six late in the third.

The Shenandoah (1-2) defense was solid all night long, holding the Captains to 213 yards in offense (71 on the ground), but the Hornets offense turned the ball over six times (four interceptions, two fumbles) while generating just 193 yards of its own.

The hosts lone score came in the second quarter, as SU drove 69 yards in seven plays to cut its deficit to just six, 13-7, with 2:29 to play in the half.

Freshman Andrew Smith did the bulk of the work on the drive as he scampered 47 yards on a 3rd and 2 play to score his fourth TD of the season.

Smith busted up the middle, broke one tackle and then outraced the CNU defense to the endzone.

The two teams then traded punts on the opening seven possessions of the second half before Christopher Newport effectively sealed the victory on Michael Ruckman's pick-six.

Ruckman jumped Calvin Wright's out route and after catching the Shawn Lloyd pass, was untouched down the near sideline.

Smith paced the SU offense with 72 yards and the touchdown on just five carries.

Jajuan Johnson had 13 tackles with Josh Rogers and Bryon Mitchell 10 each for the defense. Mitchell also picked up a first down late in the second half on a fake punt with his second reception of the season.

Shenandoah opens its first-ever ODAC slate next Saturday afternoon at Bridgewater. Game time is 1:00.