Game Leaders
Team Stats
Passing Yards
Rushing Yards
Turnovers
Time of Poss.
Derek McAddo intercepted a pass and returned it 33-yards with 1:47 remaining in the 3rd quarter to lift Castleton State to a 36-23 victory over Alfred State. The Spartans trailed 23-19 at the time of the interception and scored the contests final 17 points.
Kevin Alberque got Castleton on the board on their first drive when he took a reverse 38-yards for a score to cap the Spartans 7-play 62-yard opening drive. The PAT was missed.
Tavon Moore (Syracuse/Bishop Grimes) caught a 44-yard touchdown pass from Jake Bahantka (Elmira Heights/Thomas Edison) with 9:04 remaining in the 2nd quarter to tie it up. The TD pass was the first of Bahantka's career. The PAT was blocked.
After the Spartans pinned Alfred State on their own one yard line, Rasheed Williams (Swedesboro, NJ) set a new school record with a 99-yard run on the first play to give the Pioneers a 13-6 lead.
Castleton answered right back with their own big play as Alberque caught a 63-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Higley 16 seconds later to tie it back up.
Noah Weinman (Genesee Valley) gave Alfred State the lead heading into half when he connected on his first career field goal from 25-yards out with 55 seconds remaining.
Higley opened up the 2nd half with a 21-yard scoring pass to Makai Hawkins to give Castleton back the lead, 19-16.
Williams scored his second touchdown of the day and sixth of the season just over four minutes later when he went around the corner and scored from 25-yards out.
After a three and out by the Spartans, Alfred got the ball back but on a 3rd and 5 play, McAdoo stepped in front of the Pioneer receiver and sailed into the endzone for what would prove to be the winning score.
Bobby Lineberger made it 29-23 after connecting on a 30-yard field goal. The ensuing kickoff was fumbled and the Spartans capitalized with a 13-yard pass play from Higley to Tyler Combs to add to their lead.
The Pioneers couldn't get anything going on the offensive side and turned the ball over on downs on their final two possessions.
Williams continued his unbelievable season with 260 yards rushing on 26 carries. Bahantka finished 17 for 34 for 212 yards, Erik Simmons (Elmira Free) caught six passes for 96 yards, and Josh Ashley(Brooklyn/Grand Street Campus) had six catches for 52 yards.
Alberque had a monster day finishing with 93 yards receiving on two catches, 73 yards rushing on eight carries, and 150 yards on returns. Higley was 12 for 30 on the day with 204 yards and three scores.
Nick DePofi (Union Endicott) led the defense with 11 tackles while Edward Harrell (Syracuse/West Genesee) and Calvin Felker (Clyde Savannah) each had eight.
Eric Mimnaugh led Castleton with nine tackles, Darren Callan had seven, and Jay Morgan finished with six.
Alfred State outgained Castleton 460 to 382 but the Pioneers were slowed down by 11 penalties for 90 yards.
Over 2,500 fans packed the stands and enjoyed the picture perfect weather as Alfred State celebrated Homecoming.
The Pioneers are home again next Saturday when they battle the Apprentice School in a Noon kickoff.