CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton football team took down in-state rival Norwich University by a score of 30-8 on Saturday afternoon to maintain possession of the Maple Sap Bucket Trophy for the second year in a row.

The Basics
• Final Score: VTSU Castleton 30, Norwich 8
• Location: Dave Wolk Stadium – Castleton, Vt.
• Records: Castleton 2-0 | Norwich 0-2

How It Happened
Despite kicking off to start the game, Castleton needed just eight plays to force visiting Norwich University into a punt, taking over at their own 16-yard line with 9:02 left in the first quarter. Powered by 53 all-purpose yards from Lou Guillotte — including the rushing touchdown that capped the drive — the Spartans took an early 7-0 lead after Connor Chilson's extra point with 2:17 remaining in the quarter.

The Castleton defense stepped up again, forcing a three-and-out by the Cadets to regain possession as time ran out on the opening stanza.

The second quarter mirrored the first, with Castleton continuing to dominate. Quarterback Jhai Vellon connected on a massive 56-yard completion to get the Spartans to the Norwich five-yard line. Guillotte took over from there, rushing for his second touchdown of the contest, and with another Chilson extra point, the Spartans went up 14-0 with 12:01 on the clock.

Just 18 seconds later, Norwich turned the ball over as Brendan Driscoll intercepted a pass at the visitors' 33-yard line and returned it 32 yards to the one-yard line. It took Josh Colegrove just three seconds to punch it in from one yard out for the team's third straight touchdown. After a failed extra point, Castleton led 20-0 with 11:39 remaining in the first half.

Castleton would find the endzone once more before the half came to an end, this time on a 27-yard quarterback keeper by Vellon — his first score as a Spartan. Chilson's kick was good to make it 27-0 in favor of the green and white. The hosts ended the half on a high note, thanks to a Mason Twitchell interception.

It took until the third quarter for the Cadets to make a dent against a Spartan offense that seemed unstoppable — that is, until the visitors managed to sack Vellon in his own end zone for a safety, making it 27-2 heading into the final quarter.

Norwich's offense finally showed signs of life in the fourth. A drive consisting of four plays and covering 39 yards ended in a touchdown. After failing on a two-point conversion, the Cadets still trailed 27-8 with 8:13 remaining in the contest.

The final score of the game came with 2:16 remaining, as Chilson drilled a 24-yard field goal to give the Spartans a convincing 30-8 lead. Norwich turned the ball over on downs, allowing Castleton to kneel out the clock for its second win of the season and second straight Maple Sap Bucket victory over the Cadets.
 
By the Numbers
• Vellon spent the entire day in the pocket, going 9-for-11 for 105 yards. He also rushed for 40 yards and one touchdown.
• Guillotte led the offense with two scores on 35 rushing yards, while also recording 22 yards on three receptions.
• Mike Flores paced the ground game with 90 yards on 18 carries.
• The Spartans' offense accumulated 303 all-purpose yards.
• Deacon Schneider led the defense for the second straight week, finishing with eight tackles (five assisted, three solo).
• Driscoll also impressed on defense with his interception return of 32 yards. He added three tackles and one pass breakup.
• Julian Chimengo Rivera and Schneider combined for the team's lone sack.
 
What's Next
Castleton will welcome the University of New England to Dave Wolk Stadium on Sept. 20 at 12 p.m. for Homecoming.