CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton football squad wrapped up its home slate on Saturday afternoon as it hosted Montclair State for a Senior Day matchup, one that the Red Hawks claimed 48-20.

The Basics
• Final Score: Montclair State 48, VTSU Castleton 20
• Location: Dave Wolk Stadium – Castleton, Vt.
• Records: Montclair 3-4 (2-2 NJAC) | Castleton 2-5 (0-4 NJAC)

How It Happened
The visiting Red Hawks wasted little time as they scored on their opening drive, using just under three minutes to take a 7-0 lead. Castleton was unable to get things going on its first possession of the day, and Montclair capitalized on the ensuing drive with another score to push its advantage to 14-0 with seven minutes still remaining in the opening quarter.

Castleton's second drive of the contest was a stark contrast to its first, as it covered 67 yards on 11 plays while eating up 4:04 off the clock and cutting the deficit to seven. Owning the team's first score of the game was rookie Josh Peguero, who took a 26-yard reception to the house for his second touchdown of the season. Connor Chilson converted the extra-point attempt to make it 14-7 in favor of Montclair.

The Red Hawks looked to try out all their tricks on their next drive, attempting a fake punt on fourth-and-six to open the second quarter, but came up just a yard short as Deacon Schneider and Brady Reed teamed up for the stop. Montclair responded with the game's next two scores to extend its lead to 27-7 with seven minutes remaining in the first half.

After several unsuccessful possessions by both squads, Castleton got the ball back at the visitors' 26-yard line after Tyler Buxton forced a fumble on first-and-25 for Montclair, which was recovered by Chilson. The Spartans scored on the very first play of the drive as Jhai Vellon found Daniel Doherty IV with a 27-yard strike for the team's second score of the day. Chilson's kick attempt was blocked, and the opposition held a 27-13 advantage at the half.

Following a three-and-out by the hosts to open the third stanza, Montclair extended its lead to 34-13 with nine minutes remaining on the clock. The visitors would score once more before the start of the final quarter, then open it with another touchdown to make it 48-13.

Castleton would own the day's final score on a drive that covered 52 yards, 23 of which came on receptions from Leonard Brice, including a 9-yard touchdown. Chilson's extra-point kick was good to make it 48-20.

Each team would have the ball once more before time ran out on the day, but neither was able to put together a scoring drive. The contest concluded 48-20 in favor of the visitors.

By the Numbers
• Despite a less-than-ideal completion percentage, Vellon racked up 211 passing yards and three touchdowns.
• Peguero led the receiving corps with 107 yards and one TD. He also had three kick returns for 51 yards.
• Doherty IV and Brice accounted for the team's other two receiving scores — the first with 31 yards and the latter with 23.
• Defense was a team effort as three Spartans recorded nine tackles each: Schneider, Buxton, and Isaiah Oufiero. Buxton and Oufiero also added one forced fumble apiece.

What's Next
The Spartans will hit the road on Saturday, November 1, as they travel to New Jersey to battle Kean University in another NJAC contest set for a 12 p.m. kickoff.