SELINSGROVE, Pa. — Christopher Newport University handed Susquehanna University its first loss of the 2026 season Saturday afternoon, as the Captains defeated the River Hawks 21-0 in front of a Homecoming crowd at Amos Alonzo Stagg Field at Doug Arthur Stadium.
Playing in front of a packed Homecoming crowd, Susquehanna entered the matchup with a 3-0 record and ranked No. 13 and 14 in the AFCA and D3football.com national polls, respectively. The River Hawks were held scoreless for the first time this season, while Christopher Newport improved to 3-0 after being ranked No. 14 by AFCA and 17th by D3football.com.
How It Went Down
- Christopher Newport struck first on its opening possession, driving 75 yards on four plays before Braylon Addy broke free for a 49-yard touchdown run with 13:16 remaining in the first quarter.
- The River Hawks responded with several promising possessions, including a drive that reached the Christopher Newport 5-yard line late in the first quarter. Susquehanna was unable to convert the opportunity, however, as the Captains' defense forced a fumble to end the threat.
- Christopher Newport extended its lead early in the second quarter when Eddie Henderson returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown, making it 14-0 with 9:03 remaining in the half.
- The River Hawks continued to battle defensively and had another opportunity inside the CNU 25-yard line late in the second quarter, but the drive ended on downs as the Captains carried a 14-0 advantage into halftime.
- After Susquehanna opened the second half with a defensive stop, Christopher Newport added to its lead on its next possession. Brandon Pena connected with Addy for a 61-yard touchdown with 13:13 remaining in the third quarter, putting CNU ahead 21-0.
- Susquehanna's defense continued to battle throughout the second half, including a fourth-down stop deep in CNU territory in the third quarter. The River Hawks also drove inside the Christopher Newport 25-yard line on their next possession, but the drive ended with a turnover on downs.
- Susquehanna continued to push in the fourth quarter, but Christopher Newport's defense held firm to preserve the shutout.
Inside the Box Score
- Matt Surtz led the River Hawks' rushing attack with 79 yards on 17 carries, while Sam McCracken added 30 yards on three attempts and Drew Hutchins contributed 21 yards on eight carries.
- Tommy Wright completed 13-of-30 passes for 153 yards, while Frankie Williams added one completion for four yards. Robert Stolfa led the receiving corps with two catches for 59 yards, including a 34-yard reception. Jimmy Fusaro added three catches for 34 yards.
- Defensively, Joey Formisano paced the River Hawks with a game-high 14 tackles, including three tackles for loss. Brayden Nolan recorded eight tackles, while Ben Fleming and Jaden Hines each finished with six. Galen Limantour added five tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
- Susquehanna's defense held Christopher Newport to 279 total yards, including 124 rushing yards and 155 passing yards. The River Hawks also limited CNU to 11 first downs and forced the Captains into four fourth-down attempts without a conversion.
- Susquehanna finished with 15 first downs compared to CNU's 11, but the Captains capitalized on four River Hawk turnovers and held Susquehanna scoreless despite several opportunities in Christopher Newport territory.
Up Next for the River Hawks
- The River Hawks will take the field next on Saturday, Oct. 10, when they travel to Washington, D.C., to face Catholic University. Kickoff is set for noon.
- Susquehanna will look to regroup this week during its bye week. Their next home game is Saturday, Oct. 17 against Moravian at 12 noon.
