Salisbury University football players Dario Belizaire and Dylan Lyerly earned New Jersey Athletic Conference weekly honors after the Sea Gulls defeated Washington & Lee 43-13 on Sept. 19 in Salisbury, Maryland. Belizaire received the NJAC Offensive Player of the Week award, while Lyerly was named the conference’s Defensive Player of the Week.
The honors followed a victory that moved Salisbury University to 2-0. Salisbury University competes in NCAA Division III and holds affiliate membership in the NJAC for football.
Dario Belizaire Earns Third Career Honor
Belizaire recorded 202 yards of total offense and a receiving touchdown against Washington & Lee. The senior slot back rushed for 90 yards on seven carries and made four receptions for 112 yards.
Belizaire caught a 67-yard touchdown pass from SyRus McGowan in the third quarter. The play was Salisbury’s longest from scrimmage in the game.
The award marked Belizaire’s third career NJAC Offensive Player of the Week honor and his first this season. He leads the conference with 177 all-purpose yards per game, a figure that ranks 11th nationally.
Dylan Lyerly Leads Salisbury University Defense
Lyerly led Salisbury University’s defense with a career-high 12 tackles against Washington & Lee. The junior defensive back also blocked a Generals extra-point attempt in the second quarter.
The blocked extra point set up Tahmir Jones for a two-point return and helped Salisbury take a 16-13 halftime lead instead of facing a 14-14 tie.
Lyerly, a team captain, has 19 tackles through Salisbury University’s first two games, including six solo tackles. That total ranks third in the NJAC, and the weekly honor is the first of his career.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Salisbury University football produced two distinct standouts in the victory over Washington & Lee. Belizaire’s 202 total yards and 67-yard touchdown reception powered the offense, while Lyerly’s career-high tackle total and blocked extra point highlighted his defensive impact.
The NJAC recognition gives both players individual honors after Salisbury University moved to 2-0.
Source: Original report
