CASTLETON, Vt. – The Vermont State University Castleton football team was upended by the Nor'easters of the University of New England in a Homecoming matchup on Saturday afternoon, falling 35-8.
 
The Basics
• Final Score: University of New England 35, VTSU Castleton 8
• Location: Dave Wolk Stadium – Castleton, Vt.
• Records: UNE 3-0 | Castleton 2-1
 
How It Happened
The University of New England took no time at all to assert themselves. Running a rush-heavy offense, the Nor'easters scored on the opening drive, covering 62 yards in just five plays and 1:35. They successfully went for two to lead 8-0 early. The visitors were quick to end Castleton's first drive, picking off a Jhai Vellon pass and returning it for a touchdown, making it 15-0. The hosts were able to escape the stanza without any more scoring, thanks in part to three UNE penalties for 30 yards.

The second quarter was all Nor'easters as well, as they tacked on 10 more points on a touchdown and a 20-yard field goal to close out the first half with a 25-0 advantage.

Castleton was able to slow the UNE offense in the third stanza, holding them to just seven points, while forcing a four-and-out.

The Nor'easters were least productive in the fourth quarter, scoring only three points on a 27-yard field goal on their first drive to go up 35-0. The Spartans were finally able to deny the shutout as they covered 63 yards in seven plays, capped off by a Reese Rotella shovel pass to Gavin McCabe for the score. They added a successful two-point conversion on a Rotella pass to Josh Colegrove to make it 35-8 with just under eight minutes remaining.

Each team would have possession once more before time ran out on the day, but neither was able to put something together, as UNE came away with a 35-8 victory.
 
By the Numbers
• Tyler Buxton led the Spartans' defensive efforts with 12 tackles — seven solo and five assisted. The fifth-year senior also added one pass breakup.
• Hitting his stride late in the contest, Josh Cormier was close behind with 11 tackles — six solo and five assisted. He also had one pass breakup and added half a tackle for loss.
• Mitch Chaves did all he could as he relieved Vellon of his quarterback duties, racking up 146 yards in the air while also rushing for 11 yards.
• Castleton proved to be the more level-headed squad, receiving three penalties for a loss of five yards, while the visitors accumulated 13 penalties against them for 174 yards lost.
 
What's Next
Castleton will take advantage of a bye week before kicking off its New Jersey Athletic Conference slate on October 4 as it travels to William Paterson University for a 1 p.m. kickoff.