SU Sea Gulls football team starts season in dominant fashion; sets tone for the season
- csimms54
- 2 minutes ago
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The Salisbury University football program team picked up right where it left off, winning its first game of the regular season in dominant fashion, its 11th regular season win since the start of the 2024 season.
The Sea Gulls found themselves in Lexington, Virginia, where the sun was out, and the team shined bright on both sides of the ball. Salisbury totaled 205 net rushing yards, averaging nearly six yards per carry, while their opponent, Washington and Lee, was held to just 3.7 yards per carry on average in the contest—a huge credit to both the Sea Gulls’ defensive line and secondary for keeping the ball in front of them.
SyRus McGowan, a sophomore and second-year starter at quarterback, made an impact with both his arm and legs in the win. McGowan completed 9 of 14 passes for 246 yards and four total touchdowns—two through the air and two on the ground. McGowan and the team know what they possess and what it takes to reach the next level.
“Stay consistent with everything we do. We got a taste of what it takes to be one of the best. Now it’s applying the lessons we learned to last season to be the best.” he stated.
Wide receivers Daniel Clark and Dario Belizaire combined for seven catches and 201 receiving yards. Belizaire also added 40 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
The defense kept both the Generals’ rushing and passing attacks in check. Washington and Lee were forced to punt five times and averaged only 4.9 yards per play against the Sea Gull defense. Linebacker Jimmy Celentano recorded an interception, while Evan Song and Jordan Scipio each logged a tackle for loss. Tackling was sound all around, with 14 Sea Gulls recording at least four total tackles in the win.
This dominant performance sets the tone for what should be another exciting year of SU football. The team has nine games remaining on the regular season schedule, with four of those being played at home in Sea Gull Stadium. The slight imbalance between home and away games this season makes it especially important for students and fans to come out and enjoy the atmosphere. 2nd year quarterback Syrus McGowan explains the impact of a rowdy SU crowd:
“It really helps us play with a sense of pride that we aren’t just playing for our own self accomplishment, we have a community that support us and expects us to be the best and I think knowing that really takes us over the edge.“ he explained.
The team plays its first home game on the first Sunday of October—just one week before the centennial homecoming game, which is sure to be packed to the rafters. But before football returns to our turf, the team heads to McDaniel College on Saturday, September 13, followed by a trip to Washington, D.C., the next Saturday, to take on Catholic University.