CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton football team hosted New Jersey Athletic Conference opponent No. 21 Christopher Newport University on Saturday afternoon, falling 69-7.

The Basics
• Final Score: No. 21 Christopher Newport 69, VTSU Castleton 7
• Location: Dave Wolk Stadium – Castleton, Vt.
• Records: CNU 5-0 (2-0 NJAC) | Castleton 2-3 (0-2 NJAC)

How It Happened
Castleton kicked off to CNU to open the contest, with the visitors starting at their own 46 after a 37-yard return. The Captains wasted little time executing their offensive game plan, driving down the field in just seven plays over 3:40 to score their first touchdown of the day. They added the extra point to take an early 7-0 lead.

Despite coming up empty on its first drive, Castleton managed to chew up six minutes of clock time, thanks in part to 49 yards in CNU penalties. The Captains, however, responded quickly, needing just three minutes to assemble another scoring drive to go up 14-0 heading into the second quarter.

The Spartans opened the second stanza facing 3rd-and-1 at their own 44-yard line. They decided to get creative, converting with a five-yard "tush push" by Jhai Vellon for the first down. The drive came to an end on a trick punt attempt on 4th-and-18, when Connor Chilson tossed it to Cj Childs, coming up seven yards short and turning it over on downs at the CNU 48.

The Captains would score on all three of their possessions in the second quarter to take a 35-0 advantage at the half.

After a three-and-out by Castleton to open the second half—and another CNU score—it was finally the Spartans' time to shine. Rookie Anthony Anderson Jr. broke free for a 92-yard touchdown rush, marking Castleton's only score of the day and the first of his collegiate career. Chilson capped off the play with a successful extra-point kick, cutting the deficit to 42-7 against the nationally ranked opposition.

Christopher Newport added two more touchdowns before the third quarter came to a close. The fourth quarter mirrored much of the earlier play, with the Captains finding the end zone two more times. Castleton's special teams came up big late in the game, blocking CNU's extra-point attempt—Joao Vaz credited with the tip. CNU ultimately claimed a 69-7 victory.

By the Numbers
• The Spartans collected 145 rushing yards against a squad that had been allowing just 82.5 rushing yards per contest.
• Anderson Jr. finished the day with 105 yards on five attempts.
• Leading Castleton's defensive efforts was Deacon Schneider, who totaled eight tackles—four solo and four assisted.
• Brendan Driscoll and Chilson each recorded one pass breakup.

What's Next
Castleton will remain at home as it hosts The College of New Jersey on Saturday, Oct. 18, for another 12 p.m. kickoff.