For Christopher Newport University, offensively speaking, last season was one for the book. As in the record book.
In a 7-3 season that ended with five consecutive wins, the Captains set program records in rushing touchdowns (30), average yards per rush (5.5), passing efficiency (172.5), average yards per pass attempt (10.1) and average yards per snap (7.4).
CNU's 2024 offense is also second all-time with 369 points and 50 touchdowns.
Most of the talent that spearheaded those numbers is back. But heading into the program's silver anniversary season, CNU coach Paul Crowley is stressing to his team that nothing is a given.
"We've been talking a lot about not assuming things are going to go the same because we have a lot of production back," said Crowley, who is going into his fourth season. "You have to do day-in and day-out stuff to make sure you produce the same way you did last year."
Rarely has CNU been so loaded in the backfield. Connor Barry, who became the starting quarterback in Week 3, threw for 1,950 yards and 15 touchdowns. He tossed only two interceptions in 190 attempts.
"He's one of the most efficient in the country," Crowley said. "Really good arm, really smart, keeps the ball out of harm's way."
Joining him in the backfield are running backs Jordin Lennon (York) and Gunner White (Tallwood) -- sometimes separately, sometimes together. Lennon rushed for 701 yards and eight touchdowns. White finished with 682 yards and 15 touchdowns.
At 5-foot-10 and 215 pounds, Lennon had touchdown runs of 64, 50, 46 and 33 yards. For White (5-8, 195), eight of his 15 touchdowns were from the 3-yard line or in.
The two-pronged attack at running back isn't for everyone, but Lennon and White make it work with different styles.
"Gunner is more of your jitterbug-type guy," Crowley said, "whereas Jordin Lennon can hit some home runs."
The issue of concern, at least from the outside looking in, is the offensive line. The Captains lost three fifth-year starters from last season. The lone returning starters are guard Andrew Belford (Atlantic Shores Christian) and tackle Kellan Roberts (New Kent).
Among those expected to fill the vacant positions are fifth-year center Joey Johnstone, sophomore tackle Ethan Gonzalez Bonilla and guard Jerel Butler (Woodside).
"We're looking at playing nine to 10 linemen, so we feel pretty good about our depth," Crowley said. "It's more some of the nuances you lose when you've got a lot of guys who had played a bunch of seasons. But talent-wise, these guys can step up."
Looking back to 2024, the Captains came agonizingly close to running the NJAC table and securing a spot in the playoffs. Their only conference loss came at Salisbury, which won 42-28 on a touchdown -- the game's 10th lead change -- with 2:30 left.
When CNU lost to Dickinson 31-28 a week later, its record fell to 2-3 and returning to the playoffs was clearly not going to happen. But the Captains won their final five games by an average margin of 26 points.
"When we lost to (Salisbury) in Week 4, I didn't know how they'd respond," Crowley said. "Winning those last five games told me a lot about them and how they were wired."
Connor Barry, Jr., 6-1, 205, QB: Barry was originally the backup last season, but took over as QB1 in Week 3. In his second career start, he completed 34 of 44 passes for 443 yards and four touchdowns. It was off to the races from there.
Colin Hart, Sr., 5-10, 170, WR: A major contributor since day one at CNU, Hart goes into his senior year with 127 receptions, 2,199 yards and 17 touchdowns. That's fourth, third and fourth in program history.
Jordin Lennon, Jr., 5-10, 215, RB: He runs with power or speed, whatever the situation dictates. He had a career day with 234 yards on only 15 carries in the 2024 season finale.
Gunner White, Sr., 5-8, 195, RB: White goes into his senior year with 2,096 yards, fifth in program history. He's also been a receiving threat with 68 catches for 688 yards.
Jerry Cashwell II, Jr., 6-3, 300, DL: Heading into his junior season, Cashwell hasn't missed a game at CNU. He was third on the team with 2½ sacks and one of two players with a sack, a forced fumble and a recovered fumble.
Silver Anniversary: This will be CNU's 25th season since the program's inception in 2001. The Captains are averaging 6.2 wins and have finished below .500 only three times. Their next win will be their 150th.
Year Six: Matt Dzierski arrived just after the COVID outbreak in 2020. In '21 and '22, he was named NJAC Player of the Year. In '24, his season ended with a Week 2 injury. Now, he's playing wide receiver in his sixth and final year.
A rare breed: Last season, safety Noah Martin was the Captains' leading tackler with 85 stops and was second with four interceptions. This year, he'll also be CNU's long snapper on punts and punt returner. "I've never seen that one," Crowley said.
The not-so-new guy: Joining Crowell's staff this season is Tom Clark, who has coached at various levels since 1987 (including William & Mary's defensive coordinator from 2001-03). At CNU, he'll coach the linebackers and special teams.
Fourth year: Crowley is in his fourth season at his alma mater, where he was an all-conference center. Twenty-two players on this year's roster have been with him the whole ride. "It's the first time it feels like it's truly the guys you recruited," he said.