Homecoming weekend brings both current and past Castleton students, parents, faculty and residents from the town of Castleton together in support of the home team.
This year our Spartan’s geared up to face the Gallaudet Bison who came into the game 5-0. The Bison brought a punishing running game and showed they don’t have a need for a passing offense as they powered their way to a 38-12 victory.
Castleton opened the game with possession and three plays later, were forced to punt. The ball was partially blocked and the Bison got the ball on the Spartan 17-yard-line. On the visiting team’s first play, Gallaudet’s Todd Bonheyo ran the ball 17 yards for the score. They managed to score again a couple minutes into the second quarter for the 14-0 lead.
Castleton’s first score came after a 58-yard drive, capped by a seven yard run by sophomore Michael Tozcko. The extra point attempt, however, was blocked. Tozcko recorded his second score on a three yard run with just over a minute left in the first half. The extra point was missed again and the Spartans brought the deficit to just one score.
Gallaudet did not let up with the offensive pressure and scored two more times in the third quarter and once in the fourth to make it 38-12.
Castleton’s quarterback, Tyler Higley, was constantly under pressure from the Bison defenders and was unable to get comfortable in the pocket. Higley completed 12 passes in 30 attempts for a total of 144 yards. The Spartan rushing offense was led by Doug Saffo who rushed for 50 total yards on 11 tries, but failed to score. The only Spartan to score was Toczko, who ran for 47 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Castleton linebacker Todd Carr had an impressive day and set a new school record with 20 tackles in the game. Fellow linebackers Mick Wong and Nick Romeo both recorded double digit tackles for the home squad.
Gallaudet’s rushing offense was too much for the Spartan’s defense to handle and powered its way to a season high of 480 yards on the day. The offensive weapons for Gallaudet included five different players, who rushed for just shy of 70 yards. The offense was led by BJ Flores, who ran for an impressive 168 yards on 27 carries.
Castleton falls to 1-5 on the year and head to SUNY Maritime Saturday at noon.