The No. 13 Salisbury University football team improved to 3-0 by defeating Catholic University 47-10 on Sept. 26, 2026, at Sea Gull Stadium in Salisbury, Maryland. Dario Belizaire scored twice on punt returns as the Sea Gulls scored 33 of the game’s final 36 points.
Catholic University scored on its opening possession, but Salisbury University controlled the game afterward. The Sea Gulls finished with 346 total yards, including 275 rushing yards, while holding Catholic University to 178 total yards and 10 rushing yards.
Dario Belizaire delivers two punt-return touchdowns
Belizaire gave Salisbury University its first lead late in the opening quarter when he returned a punt 50 yards for a touchdown. He added a second punt-return touchdown in the third quarter, racing 64 yards to the end zone just over a minute after Gavin Green’s 78-yard touchdown run.
Belizaire also rushed for 52 yards on 10 carries and recorded 114 punt-return yards. His two long returns helped Salisbury University turn Catholic University’s early advantage into a 40-10 lead before the fourth quarter.
Salisbury University controls the ground game
SyRus McGowan accounted for two Salisbury University touchdowns, passing for 59 yards and one touchdown while adding 24 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground. Brody Strachan led the Sea Gulls with three receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown, including a 32-yard scoring reception from McGowan.
D.J. Brown added a 17-yard touchdown run and finished with 31 rushing yards on three carries. Gavin Green scored on his 78-yard run, while Isaiah Holbrook closed the scoring with a seven-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Malachi Dokes rushed for 46 yards on seven attempts, and Kyle Frank contributed 45 yards on six carries.
Sea Gull defense pressures Catholic University
The Salisbury University defense recorded six sacks and held Catholic University to one conversion on 15 third-down attempts. Tyler Ohlmeyer led the Sea Gulls with 10 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack, while Ephram Choy recorded eight tackles and half a sack.
Catholic University opened the game with a 17-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, but Salisbury University controlled the remainder of the afternoon. The Sea Gulls went 3-for-4 on fourth down and outgained Catholic University 275-10 on the ground.
NJAC Play Kicks Off Oct. 3
Salisbury University will open New Jersey Athletic Conference play at The College of New Jersey on Oct. 3, 2026. The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Ewing, New Jersey.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Salisbury University’s 3-0 start has featured production in all three phases. Belizaire’s two punt-return touchdowns supplied the game’s biggest momentum swings, while the Sea Gulls’ 275 rushing yards and six-sack defensive effort helped turn an early deficit into a decisive victory.
The New Jersey Athletic Conference opener at The College of New Jersey will be Salisbury University’s next game. The performance against Catholic University gave the Sea Gulls a strong statistical showing on special teams, offense and defense.
Read the official Salisbury University game recap.
Source: Original report
