Football | 11/14/2009 4:47:44 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Christopher Newport's football team had a chance to tie the game at 10 with 2:22 to go in the game, but Methodist senior Anthony Cassone blocked the extra point to help the Monarchs hold off the Captains for the 10-9 win.

Christopher Newport (5-5, 4-3) trailed 10-3 midway through the fourth quarter when they used a 17-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mike Schoeffel to Tony Spradlin to move within one point. Matthew Bourne set up to kick the extra point, but Cassone came up with the block to preserve the lead.

The Monarchs (3-7, 2-5) ran out the clock on their ensuing possession after a 42-yard run from senior quarterback Erik Teague to earn the 10-9 win, only the second win in program history over Christopher Newport.

The first quarter passed with neither team able to gain an advantage. Methodist had an early fumble, but the Captains were not able to capitalize. Bourne gave the Captains the 3-0 lead at halftime after converting a 37-yard field goal with 24 seconds remaining in the half.

Early in the third quarter, Methodist started on their own 20-yard line before driving down into Christopher Newport territory. Freshman tailback John Flanagan set the Monarchs up on the Captains' 24-yard line after a 16-yard run and picked up another yard on the next play. Teague found senior Chris Peoples in the corner of the end zone for a 23-yard touchdown to give Methodist the lead. Sophomore Tyler Mosko made the extra point for the 7-3 advantage.

The Monarchs' freshman Malcolm McCoy picked off Schoeffel on Christopher Newport's next possession and when the Captains got the ball back again Methodist senior Demory Williams broke up a pass on third and 22 to force the Captains to punt. Sophomore Jason Talbert drew in a 17-yard pass from Teague just before going out-of-bounds at the CNU 20-yard line late in the third quarter and after a two-yard loss, the Monarchs opened the fourth quarter with a 39-yard field goal from Mosko for the 10-3 lead.

The Methodist defense came up with more big plays in the fourth quarter, forcing the Captains to turn the ball over on downs twice. Senior Eric Blalock had a pass breakup on fourth down and senior Brian Leary had a huge stop on fourth and two midway through the quarter.

The Captains finished up with their late touchdown, but Cassone's blocked extra point made the difference as Methodist held on for the 10-9 victory.

Teague finished 19-for-35 passing for 182 yards along with 44 yards rushing. Flanagan ran for 59 yards of his own while Peoples caught six passes for 65 yards.

Schoeffel was 10-for-21 for 92 yards for the Captains while Tunde Ogun picked up 112 yards rushing and Corey Legister added 77.

Freshman Blake Brown led the defense with nine tackles while Leary added seven and Blalock had 6.5.

Twenty-one Methodist seniors were recognized prior to the game for their contributions to Methodist football. They were the largest senior class in program history and finished their careers defeating Christopher Newport for the first time in their careers.

Box Score