Castleton, VT – The Montclair State University football team (3-4, 2-2 NJAC) went up north to challenge Vermont State Castleton (2-5, 0-4 NJAC) in conference play for the first time and powered through the Spartans by a score of 48-20 on Saturday.
 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Red Hawks came out strong on the opening drive. ALEX RODRIGUEZ returned the kickoff to the Montclair 42-yard line, and CHRISTOPHER ARNOLD immediately broke loose for a 20-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage. Later in the drive, TJ KACHALA hauled in a 30-yard catch-and-run to set up the Red Hawks inside the 10-yard line, where DIANTE WILSON punched in a four-yard touchdown to open the scoring.
• After forcing a three-and-out, Montclair capitalized with a seven-play, 60-yard scoring drive. Kachala highlighted the possession with two receptions for 33 yards, including an 11-yard catch-and-run into the end zone that made it 14-0.
• Castleton responded with a nine-play, 67-yard drive capped by a 26-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-10 to trim the deficit to 14-7.
• The Red Hawks threatened again early in the second quarter but came up short on a fake field-goal attempt that was stopped a yard shy of the first-down marker at the Castleton 10.
• Following a series of punts, Montclair took advantage of a special-teams miscue. A Castleton player touched a bouncing punt inside the 5, which was recovered by JAHMIR BEAL to set up Wilson's second touchdown of the day. After a failed two-point conversion, Montclair led 20-7.
• On the next drive, Beal forced another fumble that was recovered by JULIUS BARRITEAU at the Spartans' 28. Arnold capped the short field with a one-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 27-7.
• With under two minutes remaining in the half, a Red Hawk fumble deep in their own territory set up a Castleton touchdown pass, cutting the margin to 27-13. Montclair fumbled the ensuing kickoff, but the defense held firm to preserve the 27-13 halftime lead.
• Montclair opened the second half with a defensive stop and another methodical scoring drive. Quarterback LUKE HENRICH capped it off with a short touchdown run, pushing the lead to 34-13.
• A defensive stand on fourth-and-five from the Castleton 49 set up another scoring drive for the Red Hawks. Four plays later, Arnold found the end zone from 12 yards out to make it 41-13.
• ISAIAH GURLEY recorded Montclair's first interception of the season, setting up a touchdown drive that Wilson finished off with his third rushing score early in the fourth quarter.
• Castleton added one final touchdown with 6:06 remaining on a nine-yard pass, but the Red Hawks closed out the game for a convincing 48-20 victory.

INSIDE THE RESULTS

• Montclair's ground game powered the offense, racking up 290 rushing yards on the afternoon. Wilson led the way with 18 carries for 116 yards and three touchdowns, while Arnold added 65 yards and two scores on 11 attempts.
• The Red Hawk defense and special teams were pivotal, combining for six takeaways — including an interception, two fumble recoveries, and three turnovers on downs. Montclair also limited Castleton to just 22 rushing yards.
• SHAUN SMITH II led the defensive effort with eight tackles, a tackle for loss, and two pass breakups. ASAHAN HARRIS and JAIQUIL BOYD each added two tackles for loss.

 
FROM THE FIELD

• "Proud of the guys for a hard-fought game. The second half was played at a high level. Looking forward to a big challenge next week." Head Coach Mike Palazzo

 
UP NEXT

• Montclair State University will go from traveling north to traveling south as they head to Virginia to take on #15/#15 Christopher Newport on Saturday, November 1. Kickoff is set for a 1:00 p.m. start.