October 20, 2007
Christopher Newport Comes Back to Down Monarchs 24-17
Sophomore quarterback Brandon Parks looks down field for the pass

FAYETTEVILLE, NC-  Methodist took a 10-2 lead into the locker room at halftime, but the Christopher Newport Captains came back with a big second half to win the game 24-17. Methodist moves to 1-6 overall and 1-3 in the USA South this season while Christopher Newport improves to 5-2 overall and 4-0 in the conference.

Christopher Newport opened the scoring with a safety just three minutes into play, but the Methodist offense countered with a 59-yard touchdown pass on the reverse from senior Jonathan Mularski to senior Pat Doleman. Freshman Mario Miralles' extra point was good for the 7-2 lead. Miralles hit a field goal in the second quarter for the 10-2 lead at halftime.

Methodist kicked off to start the third quarter and Christopher Newport's Mike Thomas used 12 rush attempts to move the ball down the field and score on a one-yard run. Captains' quarterback Todd Faison connected with Jesse Bradshaw for the 2-point conversion to tie the game at ten. The Monarchs were forced to punt on their next possession, but freshman Eric Blalock forced a Christopher Newport fumble that was recovered by junior Antonio Bartee to give the Monarchs the ball on the Captains' 48-yard line. Methodist quarterback found freshman Te'Varez Fulmore for a 28 yard pass to the Christopher Newport 20. Parks picked up six yards of his own before freshman Corey McGuire ran the final 14 yards to retake the lead. Miralles' extra point gave Methodist a 17-10 advantage.

Christopher Newport came back down the field to score another touchdown before the end of third quarter to tie the game again. On the Captains' next possession, the offense moved the ball back down into Methodist territory before Ramarcus Baylor punched one in for the 24-17 lead with 9:15 to go in the game. Methodist made it inside the Christopher Newport 10-yard line on their next possession, but could not score and turned the ball over on downs. The Monarchs would regain possession twice more, but were unable to score giving Christopher Newport the 24-17 win.

The Monarchs will take the road next weekend to face Maryville Saturday at 2 pm.

Box score

Photo courtesy of ESPN Radio - R2K2 Photography