NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Nine members of the Christopher Newport University football squad were recognized Friday by the New Jersey Athletic Conference for their outstanding play this fall. Sophomore quarterback Matt Dzierski was one of five Captains named first team All-Conference, and in addition was chosen the league's Offensive Player of the Year.

Dzierski, from Lorton, Va., started all ten games for the Captains at quarterback and led the offense by throwing 15 touchdown passes and running for ten scores. He led the NJAC in passing, averaging 231 yards passing per game, and also completed a league-best 68.3 percent of his passes. Dzierski was chosen the NJAC Offensive Player of the Week four times, and becomes the fourth CNU player to receive conference offensive Player of the Year honors, joining Roland Hilliard (2004), Tunde Ogun (2008), and Taylor Loudan (2016).

Joining Dzierski on the first team from the offense were fifth-year senior wide receiver Garrison Mayo and senior offensive linemen Drew Knott and fifth-year senior offensive lineman Nick Norman. Mayo, from Fincastle, Va., caught 50 passes in eight games played, averaging 86.8 yards receiving per game. He also caught five touchdown throws. Knott, from King George, Va., and Norman, from Yorktown, Va., anchored the offensive line by providing outstanding protection for Dzierski and creating opportunities for an offense that averaged 25 points per game, second-most in the conference.

From the Captains defensive unit, fifth-year senior Sean Wilkinson was chosen first team. Wilkinson, from Vienna, Va., led the Captains in tackles with 74, including 35 solo stops, in nine games played. Wilkinson finished sixth in the NJAC in tackles and also made a sack, forced a fumble, and intercepted a pass this season.

Junior fullback Isaiah Williams and junior kicker Ryan Castle were both named second-team All-Conference from the Captains roster. Williams, from Virginia Beach, saw increased playing time in the backfield, providing outstanding blocking for the Captains. Castle, from Dublin, Va., made seven of ten field goal attempts this season, and also converted 31 of 32 extra points, accounting for 52 total points.

In addition, sophomore offensive lineman Tyler Palmer and sophomore safety Shawn Hamilton were named honorable mention. Palmer, from Chesapeake, Va., became a steady presence for the Captains on the offensive line at the center spot. Hamilton, from Virginia Beach, made 43 tackles including 22 solo stops, and also picked off a pass.

Christopher Newport finished the 2021 season with a 5-5 overall record and a 3-3 mark in the NJAC. The Captains finished third in the conference standings behind league champion Salisbury and Kean.

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