Football vs Vermont State University Castleton on 10/31/2026 - Box Score

Castleton struck first against Kean University, putting together a methodical drive that culminated in a touchdown. According to the official box score reported by castletonsports.com, the visitors opened the scoring sequence starting at the 12:28 mark of the drive, marching down the field in a display of no-huddle efficiency before breaking through the Kean defense.

The Opening Drive Execution

The sequence began at the Castleton 25-yard line. Quarterback RJ Monger opened with a short completion to Ryan Freund for zero yards, tackled by Luke Pettersen. Following a false start penalty that backed Castleton up to the 20-yard line, Freund found room on a 10-yard rush to the 30, with Stevenson Memo and Chase Anderson making the stop.

Castleton converted their first major third down when Monger connected with Tyler Gentry for 12 yards, pushing the ball to the 42-yard line out of bounds. After an incomplete pass intended for Justin Brown, Freund surged up the middle for a 12-yard gain, moving the chains deep into Kean territory at the 46.

Overcoming Penalties and Moving the Chains

Momentum nearly stalled following an offside penalty against Kean and a subsequent 10-yard holding infraction against Castleton’s Connor Shepard. Facing a daunting 1st and 20 at the Kean 41, Monger targeted Brady Platt for a 4-yard loss, followed by a minor 1-yard gain from Max Cutler.

A pass interference penalty against Kean’s Khyron Hill bailed out the visitors, moving the chains to the 29-yard line. From there, Freund ground out tough yardage with carries of 4, 3, and 4 yards, moving the sticks once more on a crucial 3rd and 3.

The Scoring Play and Extra Point Miss

With the ball resting at the 18-yard line, the drive reached its climax at 4:42. Monger dropped back in the no-huddle shotgun and fired a short right pass to James Colzie IV, who took it 18 yards to paydirt for a touchdown with 4:38 remaining on the clock.

The subsequent extra-point attempt by Zach Dragon failed, with Anthony Cavalieri holding and Alex Polli serving as the long snapper. Wyatt Fuller then handled the kickoff for Castleton, driving the ball 48 yards to the Kean 17-yard line, where Sal Marchione returned it 24 yards to the 41 before being forced out of bounds by Kaden James.