WASHINGTON, D.C. – It wasn't pretty but the Spartans took care of business on Saturday as they collected six turnovers on the way to a dominating 21-0 victory over Gallaudet on the road.
For the second time this season, and in program history, Castleton shut out an opponent as the team used a strong front seven and pesky secondary to hold the Bison to zero yards passing and just 135 yards of total offense. The team also picked off one pass and recovered five fumbles for its second game this season with at least six turnovers.
Offensively, the Spartans totaled 279 yards with 190 coming through the air and 89 on the ground. George Busharis was 11-for-24 in the contest for 125 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. Kevin Alberqueled the receiving corps with four catches for 72 yards and also added 37 yards rushing on six attempts. Corey Brimmer rushed for 39 yards on 12 attempts and scored both of Castleton's touchdowns.
Gallaudet didn't record any passing yards as quarterback Antoine McKinney was 0 of 14 with an interception. He did lead the team with 81 rushing yards on 19 attempts while John Anderson gained 51 yards on his 19 attempts.
Neither offense could get in a rhythm to open the game, though Gallaudet did drive to the Castleton 35-yard line twice.
Following a scoreless first, the two teams traded turnovers to open the second quarter, with the Bison fumbling twice and throwing an interception while the Spartans fumbled once and tossed an interception.
On fourth down from its own 24, Gallaudet went to punt but the kick was mishandled and Tyler Combsrecovered the ball on the Bison five-yard line. On the ensuing play, Corey Brimmer rushed in from five yards for the 7-0 lead.
Midway through the period, Castleton took over on the Gallaudet 35-yard line after a short punt. A pass to Alberque moved the ball to the 14-yard line and five rushes later Brimmer scored his second touchdown of the game to push the lead to 14-0.
The Spartans added to their lead after halftime. After converting on a fourth-and-five from the 15, with a pass to Alberque, Busharis found Denver Divens in the endzone for his career score.
Leading 21-0 the Castleton defense did the rest as it allowed just 14 total yards on Gallaudet's final five drives of the game to secure the victory.
Four different players led the stingy defense with eight tackles apiece in Mike Perrone, Ryan Stanek, Jay Morgan and Darren Callan. Brett Denning was impressive with six tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery while Derek McAdoo picked off his fifth pass of the year.
Castleton improves to 6-3 with the victory and 4-2 in the ECFC while the Bison drops to 2-6 and 2-4 in conference play. The Spartans conclude their season next weekend as they travel to face Norwich at 1 pm in the battle for the Maple Sap Bucket Trophy,
