The Hampden-Sydney College (H-SC) football team opened its 2018 home schedule Saturday afternoon with a close battle against Christopher Newport University that resulted in a 17-13 Tigers loss.

The teams alternated scores the entire game, with the Captains matching each of the Tigers’ scores until they scored the touchdown midway through the third quarter that would make the four-point difference.

Offensively, the Tigers recorded 391 yards of offense, with 399 coming through the air. Those seemingly incorrect stats are the byproduct of a running game that finished with -8 net rushing yards, caused in part by seven sacks. Senior quarterback Alec Cobb was 31-of-47 passing for 399 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Freshman running back Kaleb Smith had a strong day with 152 yards of total offense, including 108 receiving yards on 12 catches and 44 rushing yards

On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers allowed 346 yards, 275 passing and 71 rushing. Senior cornerback Brian Gwaltney led all players with 13 tackles.

The Tigers (0-2) are scheduled to host the University of New England on Saturday at 1 p.m.