SALISBURY, Md. – The No. 23 Salisbury University football team opened up a 14-0 lead but could not hold off Montclair State University, falling 24-14 on Saturday afternoon at Sea Gull Stadium on Senior Day.
The Sea Gulls (5-2, 2-2 NJAC) scored twice in the first half to take a two-touchdown advantage, but the Red Hawks (5-2, 3-1 NJAC) responded with 24 unanswered points to claim the New Jersey Athletic Conference victory.
Salisbury got off to a strong start, opening the scoring with a seven-play, 78-yard drive. SyRus McGowan capped the possession with a 14-yard touchdown run at the 10:41 mark of the first quarter to put the Sea Gulls ahead 7-0.
The Salisbury offense continued to find success on the ground in the second quarter. After a 10-play, 74-yard drive, Dario Belizaire broke free for a 25-yard touchdown run with 14:50 remaining in the half.
Montclair State answered with a lengthy drive of its own, covering 72 yards on 15 plays, cutting the Salisbury lead to 14-7. The Red Hawks added points as time expired in the second quarter, connecting on a 48-yard field goal to pull within four at halftime, 14-10.
Montclair State took the lead in the third quarter. After a 72-yard drive, with 9:15 remaining in the period, the Red Hawks were in front, 17-14.
The Sea Gulls looked to regain the lead but were unable to get back into the end zone. Salisbury's defense kept the game within a field goal before Montclair State put together the decisive drive early in the fourth quarter. The Red Hawks marched 81 yards on 12 plays, and pushed the advantage to 24-14.
Salisbury continued to battle, but the Red Hawks' defense held the Sea Gulls scoreless over the final two quarters to secure the 10-point victory.
Game Notes
- Salisbury rushed for 228 yards on 37 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt.
- McGowan rushed for 75 yards and a touchdown while completing nine passes for 67 yards.
- Belizaire recorded 56 rushing yards and a 25-yard touchdown run.
- Dylan Lyerly and Kris Paul each recorded 12 tackles. Nana Eshun-Baidoo and Ephram Choy added seven tackles apiece.
- Josh Gyamfi recorded a forced fumble.
Prior to the game, Salisbury recognized 16 senior members of the football program for their dedication and contributions to the Sea Gulls. Since the start of the 2023 season, this class has contributed to 33 victories, one New Jersey Athletic Conference championship and two NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight appearance.
The seniors honored were Dario Belizaire, Nana Eshun-Baidoo, Matt Sims, Brody Strachan, Jack Gartenstein, Malachi Dokes, Patrick Sheil, Sam Mele, Evan Blaeuer, Josh Gyamfi, Ben Pearch, Nolan Farley, Grayson Ayres, Owen Buhrman, Zach Ayers and Sherman Hatton.
The Sea Gulls hit the road next week to battle William Paterson University on Halloween at 1 p.m. from Wayne, N.J.
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.
