CASTLETON, Vt. – The No. 21 Salisbury University football program delivered a dominant performance on Saturday afternoon, shutting out Vermont State University Castleton 49-0 in a New Jersey Athletic Conference matchup at Dave Wolk Stadium. The Sea Gulls scored in all four quarters and held the Spartans to just 66 yards of total offense to earn their fifth victory of the season.
Salisbury (5-1, 2-1 NJAC) established control early, scoring three touchdowns in the opening quarter to take a 21-0 lead. The Sea Gull offense continued to find the end zone throughout the afternoon, while the defense kept Castleton (2-4, 0-3 NJAC) off the scoreboard for the shutout victory.
The Sea Gulls opened the scoring midway through the first quarter after taking over possession in Castleton territory. Dario Belizaire capped a four-play, 28-yard drive with a 20-yard touchdown run at the 12:45 mark.
Salisbury extended its advantage later in the quarter when quarterback SyRus McGowan connected with Tyler Orth for a 29-yard touchdown pass with 5:45 remaining.
The Sea Gulls added another score before the end of the opening quarter. After moving into Castleton territory, Salisbury finished a seven-play, 49-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown run by Malachi Dokes.
The defense continued to stifle the Spartans in the second quarter, forcing punts and limiting Castleton's opportunities. Salisbury added to its lead with two minutes remaining in the half when Kyle Frank broke free for a 13-yard touchdown run, sending the Sea Gulls into halftime with a 28-0 advantage.
Salisbury carried the momentum into the second half. After the defense forced a Castleton turnover on an interception by Tyler Ohlmeyer, the Sea Gulls capitalized with a four-play, 63-yard scoring drive. Isaiah Holbrook finished the possession with a three-yard touchdown run at the 5:48 mark of the third quarter, pushing the lead to 35-0.
Holbrook found the end zone again early in the fourth quarter, capping a nine-play, 55-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run at 14:16. The Sea Gulls added one final touchdown in the closing minutes. Camron Riley broke through for a 12-yard touchdown run with 1:49 remaining, completing the scoring and securing Salisbury's 49-0 shutout.
Game Notes
- Salisbury's offense finished with 466 total yards, including 356 rushing yards. Holbrook led the ground attack with 135 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Frank added 63 rushing yards and a touchdown, while McGowan ran for 61 yards. Dokes contributed 44 rushing yards and a touchdown, and Belizaire finished with 41 yards and a score.
- Through the air, McGowan completed five passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. Orth led the receiving corps with two catches for 53 yards, including his 29-yard touchdown reception.
- The Sea Gull defense was equally impressive, holding Castleton to nine net rushing yards and 57 passing yards. Sherman Hatton recorded five tackles, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Nick Medina added seven tackles, while Tyler Ohlmeyer recorded an interception. Jack Potson and Gavin Jones each recorded a sack.
Salisbury returns to Sea Gull Stadium for Senior Day on Saturday, Oct. 24, hosting Montclair State University in another NJAC matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Salisbury University is a proud member of NCAA Division III with primary membership in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference, along with affiliate membership in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (football, men's & women's swimming), Coastal Lacrosse Conference (men's lacrosse), State University of New York Athletic Conference (field hockey), and Colonial Women's Golf Conference (women's golf). With over 500 student-athletes in 23 varsity sports, SU is recognized as one of the nation's most competitive intercollegiate athletics programs regardless of division, featuring dedicated coaches and staff that foster excellence on and off the field. The Sea Gulls have won a combined 23 team national championships, 26 individual national championships, and 211 conference championships, and have produced 54 Academic All-Americans.
To Make Tomorrow Yours at Salisbury University, and learn more about Sea Gull Athletics' tradition of excellence, visit SUSeaGulls.com or follow on social media @SUSeaGulls.
