UNION, N.J. – The Vermont State University Castleton football team was unable to hold on to an early lead as it fell to Kean University on the road Saturday afternoon, 14-9.
The Basics
• Final Score: Kean University 14, VTSU Castleton 9
• Location: Kean Alumni Stadium – Union, N.J.
• Records: Kean 2-6 (1-4 NJAC) | Castleton 2-6 (0-5 NJAC)
How It Happened
Both teams punted on their opening drives, while Kean turned it over on downs at the Castleton 23-yard line after Tyler Buxton stopped the rush short of the sticks. The Spartans capitalized on their second possession, marching 78 yards down the field in just over three minutes. Jhai Vellon capped the drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Braden Lankarge, followed by a good extra-point kick from Connor Chilson to make it 7-0.
As time wound down in the first half, Buxton came up big again — this time intercepting a Rocco Pellegrini pass at the goal line and returning it two yards. Castleton drained nearly all of the remaining 63 seconds to enter halftime up 7-0.
After a 21-yard Anthony Anderson Jr. kick return to start the third quarter, aided by a 15-yard facemask penalty, Castleton was unable to gain momentum and was forced to punt. Chilson's 44-yard boot pinned Kean at its own eight-yard line.
The defense struck again as Deacon Schneider sacked the quarterback in the end zone for a safety, extending the lead to 9-0 with 12 minutes left in the third.
Kean answered quickly, covering 63 yards in five plays for its first touchdown of the day. A successful extra point cut the deficit to 9-7.
The score remained unchanged early in the fourth when Buxton blocked a 24-yard Kean field goal attempt. But midway through the final quarter, the Cougars broke through with an eight-yard rushing score and extra point to take a 14-9 lead.
Castleton was unable to sustain a final drive, turning the ball over on downs as Kean ran out the clock.
By the Numbers
• Lankarge hauled in his first career touchdown, finishing with two receptions for 37 yards and a score.
• Vellon completed 16 of 28 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown.
• Josh Cormier led the defense with 15 total tackles — 10 assisted and five solo.
• Buxton posted 10 tackles along with a blocked kick and an interception.
What's Next
The Spartans remain on the road as they travel to Glassboro, N.J. on Saturday, November 8 for a 1 p.m. NJAC matchup with Rowan.
