D3-CFB Game Preview: Vermont State-Castleton Spartans (0-0) vs. Westfield State Owls (0-0)

0
40

Venue & Game Details

Location: Alumni Field – Westfield, Massachusetts

Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET

Broadcast: Westfield State Owls Sports Network (video), Castleton Spartans Radio (audio), live stats via both schools’ athletics sites

Capacity: ~4,000

Weather Forecast (Westfield, MA – Kickoff)

Conditions: Mostly sunny, warm

Temperature: ~81°F (27°C) at kickoff, cooling into the mid‑70s by the fourth quarter

Wind: SW at 5–8 mph

Precipitation: <10%

Impact: Ideal early‑season football weather; minimal wind effect on passing or kicking

Injury Report

Castleton

No major preseason injuries reported.

QB Wes Cournoyer returns after throwing for 206 yards in last year’s meeting.

WR Leonard Brice (84 rec yds vs. WSU in 2024) healthy.

RB rotation intact; OL returns three starters.

Defense anchored by LB CJ Childs (50‑yd INT return TD in 2024).

Westfield State

No significant absences reported.

QB competition between Gabe Fernandez and TJ Kiley continues; both played in 2024 matchup.

RB Sean Willis (55 rush yds, 1 TD last year) healthy.

WR Dylan Disabella (38‑yd catch in 2024) available.

Secondary returns most starters.

Team Records & 2024 Recap

Castleton: 5‑5 overall, 3‑5 MASCAC; averaged 21.8 PPG, allowed 26.4 PPG.

Westfield State: 3‑7 overall, 2‑6 MASCAC; averaged 14.2 PPG, allowed 31.7 PPG.

Recent Form (Last 5 Games – 2024 Season)

Castleton

L @ Western Connecticut 57‑18

L vs. Bridgewater State 31‑20

L vs. Worcester State 31‑6

L @ Fitchburg State 26‑6

L vs. Plymouth State 21‑6

Westfield State

W vs. Fitchburg State 22‑7

L @ UMass Dartmouth 56‑14

W vs. Mass. Maritime 17‑10

L @ Framingham State 8‑9

L @ Western Connecticut 42‑0

Key Player Matchups

QB Wes Cournoyer (CAS) vs. WSU Secondary

Cournoyer’s efficiency vs. a defense that allowed 200+ pass yds/game in 2024.

WR Leonard Brice (CAS) vs. CB1 Westfield

Brice’s size and route running vs. physical coverage.

RB Sean Willis (WSU) vs. Castleton Front Seven

Willis’ inside running vs. a defense that forced 3 turnovers in last year’s meeting.

QB Situation (WSU) vs. Castleton Pass Rush

Both Fernandez and Kiley struggled under pressure in 2024; Castleton’s front will look to repeat that.

Special Teams

Field position could be pivotal; both teams had inconsistent punting units last season.

Series History

All-Time: Castleton leads 1‑0

Only Meeting: Oct. 5, 2024 — Castleton 24, Westfield State 10 in Castleton, VT

Castleton scored two defensive TDs (fumble return, interception return).

Westfield was held to 82 total yards (just 12 in the second half) and committed 5 turnovers.

Scoring: CAS led 10‑0 after 1Q, WSU tied it 10‑10 at half, Spartans pulled away with 14 unanswered in 2H.

Betting Trends

Castleton: 2‑3 ATS in last 5; UNDER in 3 of last 4.

Westfield State: 3‑2 ATS in last 5; UNDER in 4 of last 6.

Head-to-Head: UNDER hit in 2024 meeting (34 total points); Castleton covered as a 3‑point favorite.

Game Odds

Vermont State-Castleton Spartans           – 6.5

Westfield State Owls                                      44

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 5, 2025

Previous articleFCS-CFB Game Preview: Lafayette Leopards (0‑1) vs. Stonehill Skyhawks (0‑1)
Next articleD3-CFB Game Preview: Ohio Northern Polar Bears (0-0) vs. Franklin Grizzlies (0-0)
NCAAFB Editor
Profile: A dedicated college football analyst with a deep understanding of the sport’s tactical complexity, recruiting landscape, and conference‑wide dynamics. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage of the NCAA football season, blending film study, statistical insight, and historical context to explain how programs evolve from Week 1 through bowl season and the College Football Playoff. Background: With extensive experience covering Division I football, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on coaching trends, roster construction, and player development. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term program trajectories across all major conferences. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and tactical matchups Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Recruiting analysis, transfer‑portal movement, and roster‑building strategy Coaching philosophies, scheme evolution, and conference‑wide trends Historical context, rivalry features, and postseason analysis Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes, advanced metrics, and recruiting data into insights that resonate with both long‑time college football fans and new followers of the sport. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the tradition, passion, and unpredictability that define NCAA football.