Newport News, VA ….. The College of New Jersey put together a solid second half in the season opener at Christopher Newport University, but the Captains were able to hold off a rally by the Lions and secure a 31-21 win on Saturday.
 
This was the first meeting between the two programs and the initial as members of the same conference. This marks the first year of the revamped New Jersey Athletic Conference with the Captains joining the conference with Salisbury University, Frostburg State University and Wesley College.
 
The Lions trailed 24-0 at the break, but turned things around in the final 30 minutes. Sophomore Khani Glover (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) capped off a 53-yard drive with a one-yard plunge into the end zone. A successful point after by sophomore Brian Nagy (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) made it 24-7. That score came with 3:36 left in the third quarter.
 
That scoring drive was set up by an interception by freshman Anthony Leithauser (Twp. of Washington, NJ/Bergen Catholic).
 
It only took TCNJ three minutes to get another touchdown as this time they struck through the air. Senior Andrew Lachawiec (Belford, NJ/Middletown, North) hauled in a five yard pass from sophomore quarterback Trevor Osler (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee).
 
CNU got that score back on the ensuing drive to forge a 31-14 lead, but the Lions kept battling. They added their third touchdown of the game as junior quarterback Michael Marchesano (New Providence, NJ/New Providence) connected with Glover for a 61-yard scoring play. For the third straight time, Nagy booted the PAT.
 
The hosts jumped on TCNJ early with 17 points in the opening period and another score in the second quarter gave them a 24-0 lead at the half.
 
Freshman linebacker Kevin Hennelly (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) had a huge collegiate debut for the Lions as he tied for the team lead with 11 tackles. Two of those tackles were for a loss and he also forced a pair of fumbles. Senior Sean Kley (Titusville, NJ/Hopewell Valley) added 11 tackles with seven of them of the solo variety.
 
Senior Victor Scalici (Freehold, NJ/Colts Neck) led TCNJ's ground game with 60 yards, while Marchesano struck for 238 yards through the air on 16-of-27 passing.
 
Next on the schedule for the Lions is the home opener on Saturday, September 12 when they host FDU – Florham. Game time in Lions Stadium is set for noon.