WINCHESTER, Va. --- Nick Volpone made the third of his three field goals as time expired to lift Wilkes University to a 37-35 triumph over Shenandoah University in the Cape Henry Bowl as part of the annual Landmark Conference-ODAC Chesapeake Challenge on Saturday evening.

Volpone’s game-winner traveled only 20 yards, but it capped an impressive 14-play 70-drive by the Colonels that took up every second of the final 2:05 in regulation.

Wilkes (7-4) is now 2-1 in Chesapeake Challenge bowl games. The Colonels won the first Cape Henry Bowl in 2023 via a 35-17 victory over Bridgewater College. Last year, WU fell to Washington and Lee, 40-21, in the Cape Charles Bowl in Salem as part of a neutral site experience for both games in Salem Stadium, the host of 26 Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowls (Division III Football Championship title game).

Shenandoah (8-3) has now appeared in the past two Cape Charles Bowls. The Hornets lost to Moravian College, 35-14, last season in Salem.

The two-point margin at the end of the contest on Saturday was indicative in the slim differences up and down the box score. Time of possession was the only real difference with SU controlling the ball for 33:39 of game time. The two squads were separated by only 30 yards in combining for 814 yards from scrimmage.

The Hornets’ offense was responsible for 30 of their 35 points – kicker Carson Gallant was 5-for-5 on PATs. Quarterback Mekhi Brown threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns, but two passes went to the wrong side including one returned 30 yards for a pick-six by defensive back Will Barbieri.

SU running backs Jalen Redfearn (21 for 83) and Aidan McCloskey (18 for 79) each found paydirt once. Receiver Roge’t Walker caught three passes with two going for touchdowns of 55 and 20 yards. Kyle Grant’s lone reception went for a 33-yard touchdown.

Wilkes’ quarterback Cooper King threw for 278 yards and a touchdown to JuJu Fears, who registered game-highs of six catches and 112 yards. Janas Simms and Justin Moore each caught five balls. Running back Ben Contella (15 for 90) and Cooper (11 for 32) ran for a touchdown each.

Defensively, Colonels’ linebacker Tallen Murray led all players with 21 tackles (6 solo). Ryan Opperman joined Barbieri with interceptions. Murray notched 1.5 tackles for loss, while Nathan Reuther notched a quarterback sack.

Shenandoah linebacker Matt Conroy made 19 stops (5 solo) and forced a fumble that linebacker Ryan Apietu recovered.