Plymouth, NH- The Plymouth State Football team lost to the Castleton State Spartans in their home opener at Currier Field, by a score of 35-31. The non-conference matchup gives the Panthers a 0-1 record to start the season for the second straight year, both loses to Castleton State.
Plymouth State came out strong throughout the first half. After an 8 yard touchdown run and a 49 yard touchdown pass by Castleton, the Panthers responded with a 9 yard run by Junior Mark Hennessy (Westford, Ma) to cut the score in half at 14-7. PSU had the upper hand in the second quarter when Senior Halfback Andrew Foglia (Montauk, NY) had two touchdown runs within the redzone. The score at the end of the first half was Plymouth on top 21-14.
Plymouth struck fast in the third quarter to go up 28-14 with a 2 yard run by Sophomore Bobby Whalen (Falmouth, Ma). The ensuing drive led to Castleton scoring a quick touchdown of their own when Sophomore Quarterback George Busharis (Mansfield, Ma) connected with Mark Comstock (Rutland, VT) for a 73 yard play. After Castleton scored once, the score was tied 28-28 going into the fourth and final quarter.
PSU went up 31-28 with 10:53 remaining in the game when kicker Rob Giles (Derry, NH) nailed a 30 yard kick. Castleton then capped off a 73 yard drive when Elias LaCount scored a 6 yard touchdown run which was all the Spartans needed to win with a final score of 35-31.
On offense Plymouth’s own Andrew Foglia had 29 rushes for 173 yards and two touchdown while Castletons George Busharis went 463 yards through the air with a pair of touchdown passes. Senior Captain Jake Matthews (Windham, NH) led the Panthers with 6 tackles, and Mick Wong (Hartford, VT) had 13 total tackles for the Spartans.
The Plymouth State Panthers travel to Mount Ida in search for their first win of the season this Saturday at 1:00. The Castleton State Spartans also have an afternoon game, taking on Endicott College in their home opener.