In a prior game, Moe Harris makes a run behind the block of teammate Nick Boles in the Spartans 17-14 win over Dean on Oct. 21 at Spartan Stadium. Photo by Seldon Hill.

The Spartans suffered a crushing defeat to the SUNY Maritime Privateers this weekend, to the tune of 61-7.

Coming off an exciting victory at home, Castleton was blown out on the road for the second time in three weeks.

Yet, some had high hopes coming into this game.

“I hope this game can bring us closer, not just as a team but as a family,” said senior linebacker Joel Antoine. “A victory would be a good way to send the seniors on the team off, and a good tempo setter for the young bucks of the team.”

A noble thought, no doubt, but clearly this game did not go according to plan for the Spartans. It was an entertaining game to watch – if you were a fan of the Privateers. But for Castleton fans, this one was simply unwatchable.

A beautiful view of the Freedom Tower and Empire State Building across the water on a bright and sunny day did not translate to a beautiful outing for the Castleton.

Facing a Privateers defense that came into this one allowing just 18 points per game, the Spartans struggled to move the ball. They accumulated just 211 total yards, while going 0-5 on fourth down conversions and 3-15 on third down conversions.

Forty-three rushing attempts for Castleton resulted in just 61 yards on the ground  for a 1.4 yards per carry average.  The first half saw them turn the ball over three times with one interception, one fumble and one blocked punt. Miscommunications and drops by the Spartans receiving core plagued the offense for most of the game.

The Spartans defense and special teams faired equally as bad, giving up 35 first quarter points, although the turnovers certainly didn’t help. At the end of the day, they had given up 61 points to the Privateers, which is a season high, both for Castleton’s defense and SUNY Maritime’s offense. This game was the third this season that the Privateers were able to score over 50 points, but their previous season high was 59.

Later in the game, the Spartans were able to salvage what was left of their dignity with a 5-yard touchdown plunge by star running back Moe Harris, which was helped by a fumble recovery on the opponent’s five-yard-line.

“I’m glad we were able to put some points on the board at least,” said senior fullback Chris Oettinger. “We have to be better though. It isn’t just the defense; a lot of the blame falls on us as well (the offense). Obviously this isn’t what we expected but we’re just going to have to keep grinding.”

Castleton’s record now falls to 4-4 on the season. They will now shift their focus to their home finale next week versus the 3-5 Gallaudet Bisons.