Seahawks defeat Spartans 32-14; improve to 2-0

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. - Junior running back Sam Pascale (Chesire, Conn.) rushed for 211 yards on 25 attempts as the Salve Regina football team overcame a 7-0 first quarter deficit to defeat Castleton University 32-14 at Gaudet Field Saturday afternoon. 

For the second straight game the Seahawks trailed 7-0 in the first quarter. Last week the Seahawks gave up a kick-off return touchdown to being the game, this week a Brandan Basil(Northford, Conn.) interception set up the Spartans on the Salve Regina 18 yard line. Three plays later senior quarterback George Busharis (Mansfield, Mass.) snuck in from the one yard line to give the Spartans the early 7-0 lead.

The Seahawks responded swiftly though, driving 45 yards in four plays, capped by a 28 yard touchdown pass from Basil to Garrett Rupe (Peckville, Pa.) to tie the game.

The Seahawks forced a three and out to get the ball back and embarked on a 13 play, 82 yard drive to reach the Spartans four yard line. The Seahawks elected to go for it on fourth down, needing two yards for a first to continue the drive, but the Spartans defense rose to the challenge, stuffing Pascale at the line of scrimmage, forcing a turnover on downs.

Castleton went on a long drive of their own, spanning into the second quarter, but the drive stalled and the Spartans punted, pinning the Seahawks deep. Salve Regina drove 73 yards from their own eight yard line to get within field goal position, only to have Jackie Hurley's (Kingston, Mass.) kick blocked, keeping the score tied.

The Spartans again could not muster a first down as the Seahawk defense forced another three and out. 

After failing to score on two long drives the Seahawks scored on one play. Pascale took a pitch running to his left and snuck through a hole opened up by his offensive line on the perimeter, and scampered down the sideline, eluding defenders, 66 yards for a touchdown.

The Seahawks scored again on a 45 yard touchdown toss from Basil to Mitch Graziano (Kingston, Mass.) with 59 seconds left in the half.

The Seahawks took the ball to open the second half and drove 68 yards in 14 plays, ending on another Basil touchdown pass, this time to senior captain Alex Hulme (Hopkinton, Mass.). 

Facing a 26-7 deficit the Spartans were in need of a quick score and they got just that. After initially being forced to punt, the Seahawks committed a penalty that gave the Spartans a fresh set of downs. Three plays later Moe Harris (Pine Hill, N.J.) broke through the line and ripped a 49 yard touchdown straight up the middle to cut into the Seahawks lead. The drive only took a minute and 48 seconds off the clock.

The Spartans scored fast, but the Seahawks scored again even faster. Alex Hulme took the ensuing kickoff back 42 yards, giving the Seahawks excellent field position. After an incompletion and Pascale run, Basil found Alex Hulme open on third down, who raced down the sideline 38 yards, diving to the pylon for the score. 

The score came with 4:39 to go in the third quarter and was the last points scored in the game. For the second straight game the Seahawks defense held opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter.

The Spartans had one long drive to open the fourth quarter, but Busharis was stripped of the ball and Joe Cuccia (Brookfield, Conn.) recovered for the Seahawks, ending what had been a 15 play drive. 

The Spartans touched the ball one more time but were again forced to punt, and the Seahawks were able to run out the clock to seal the victory.

Brandan Basil again passed for four touchdowns on 19-29 passing and 256 yards along with his first interception of the season as the Seahawks totaled 539 yards of offense. 

Busharis finished the afternoon 18-29 for 165 yards and no scores. The Seahawks defense held the Spartans to 263 total yards.

With the win the Seahawks improve to 2-0 on the season while the Spartans suffer their first loss and fall to 1-1 overall.

Salve Regina will next travel to play Coast Guard on Saturday September 26 at 12 p.m. Castleton will next be in action on September 26 as well when it hosts Aflred at 12 p.m.