Football Soars Past Spartans in MASCAC Action

FITCHBURG, MA: Fitchburg State football defeated the Spartans of Castleton this afternoon, marking its first MASCAC victory since 2019 when it defeated Worcester State.

THE BASICS:

- Date: 10/26/24

- Score: Fitchburg 26, Castleton 6

- Records: Fitchburg (2-5, 1-5 MASCAC), Castleton (3-4, 2-4 MASCAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

-  The Falcons struck first on a big fourth-down interception by Elijah Zaire McKnight (Tracy, CA), who brought it all the way back for a 75-yard touchdown return. After back-and-forth punting from both teams, the Falcons would put together a 12-play drive for 59 yards that was capped with a one-yard touchdown rush by Oriowokite Fatoke (Worcester, MA). The pursuing Castleton drive would then end in another McKnight interception, setting the Falcons up on the Spartans 47-yard line. The Falcons wouldn't be able to capitalize on the takeaway.

-  The Falcons defense continued to cause turnovers, keeping Castleton from getting into the red zone. This time, it was a fumble forced by Andrew Novak (Quincy, MA) that would then be recovered by Jacob Lanpher (Hagerstown, MD). The pursuing Fitchburg drive would then not last long, and the Spartans would come up with an interception of their own. Ian DeTulleo was the beneficiary of the errant pass.

- Fitchburg would strike again at the start of the fourth quarter on a perfect pass from Rocky Marchitelli (Gunnison, CO) to Sahir Gomez (Whittier, CA) for a 24-yard strike to extend the lead to 18-0. The Falcons would again add on after a huge defensive stop on fourth down with another Cameron Monette (Winchendon, MA) sack. Matthew Aguirre (Laredo, TX) would make it 24-0 with a 28-yard rush. He would then put it at 26-0 with a successful two-point conversion.

- Castleton would finally break through the Falcons defense with 5:06 left in the game after putting together a 10-play, 64-yard drive that was capped by Tyson Hall, who ran up the middle for a one-yard score.

- The Falcons defense was all over the field today, causing four Spartan turnovers with three interceptions and a fumble recovery. They also added three sacks, with Monette getting 1.5 and Dexter Brown (Peabody, MA) getting another. Monette also topped the team with nine total tackles.

- For Castleton's defense, Kevin McDonough topped the defense with seven tackles, including 1.5 for a loss. Detulleo finished with four tackles and an interception.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

-  Total Yards: Fitchburg 261, Castleton 206

-  Passing Yards: Fitchburg 79, Castleton 73

-  Rushing Yards: Fitchburg 182, Castleton 133

UP NEXT:

- Fitchburg State football will return Saturday when they travel to Bridgewater State with a noon start.

STAY CONNECTED:

- For the latest on Fitchburg State University Athletics, follow the Falcons via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.