Worcester, MA- The Lancer's Football squad (2-5, 2-4) look to bounce back after a stretch of top notch opponents this afternoon with a trip to Castleton. Worcester is ready to get back to their winning ways versus the Spartans who recently struggled against Plymouth State and Fitchburg State, which were two big wins for Worcester on the year, so the stage looks set for a gridiron battle in Vermont.
Final
Worcester State: 31
Castleton: 6
How it Happened:
Worcester State would take initial possession of the ball in their afternoon matchup with the Spartans, but were unable to get their offensive mojo going early on as a fumble would give Castleton their first possession and the Lancer defense their first test of the day. The Lancer defense would meet the challenge forcing a 4th down failed attempt on their own 21, returning possession back to the Lancers. Alas, they returned the favor as neither team was able to add to the scoreboard in the opening quarter of activity.
The second quarter would be a different story for Worcester as junior Cam Ayotte (Millbury, MA) would connect with sophomore Lance Williams (Westerly, RI) for a 33 yard touchdown to cap off a 10 play 83 yard possession. First year Manuel Freitas (Dartmouth, MA) would cap off the scoring to put Worcester up 7-0. Two drives later, Castleton would find their way to the board with an interception returned for a touchdown, but would fail to convert on the extra point leaving Worcester ahead 7-6. In the final waning minutes of the half Worcester's offense would work their way down to the Castleton 3 yard line, but with just a few seconds left on the clock were forced to go for the field goal on a second down to take a 10-6 lead into the halftime break.
The third quarter would not find the Lancers or Ayotte slowing down as this time he wrapped up an eight play 64 yard drive with a 21 yard launch to senior Drew Von Klock (Walpole, MA), and with an additional aid by Freitas, Worcester would grab the 17-6 lead. Neither team would be able to find any additional scores in the third as all the closing game action moved to the fourth.
The fourth quarter found Worcester on full offensive focus with a little help from the defense as Damian Mitchell intercepted a Wes Cournoyer pass for an 80 yard return back to the house to push the Worcester lead to 23-6. Freitas would step out and add his third extra point of the game. After forcing Castleton off the field in five quick plays Worcester's offense would finally come onto the field in the fourth, and would get right down to business. It would take 15 plays for the 57 yards needed but senior Nico Holmes would find the endzone in the end for a nine yard rush, and tacked on with another Freitas attempt would push Worcester out to 31-6 where the Lancer defense would hold the Spartans to claim their third win of the season.
Aaron Becker would lead the Lancers with eight tackles on the day and assistance in a sack, while Ayotte would end with 319 passing yards, and eight of the receptions finding Williams in the field for 146 yards.
What's Next:
Next Saturday the Lancers football squad (3-5, 3-4) will host their final home match of the regular season when Mass. Maritime journeys to Central Massachusetts. Along with the final home game of the 2024 season, the Lancers will also be honoring their dedicated senior class prior to kickoff.