WASHINGTON, D.C. - Catholic (2-3) fell to No. 10 Susquehanna (4-1) in its Landmark Conference opener on Saturday afternoon at Cardinal Stadium. The River found the end zone on its first five drives as it came away victorious by a final score of 48-14. 

Coming on in relief on an injured Joey Gulbin, senior quarterback John Whelan threw for 203 yards and a pair of scores to lead the Catholic offense. Whelan tossed a 13-yard strike to Malachi Hansen for a score late in the second quarter before adding a second touchdown pass to Omari Owes in the fourth from six yards away. The TD was the first of Owes career. 

Sam Cornacchione posted a career-high with 101 yards on three catches including a 79-yarder that set Catholic up for the Owes touchdown. Nine other Cardinals caught a pass in the game with Daequan Harvin's four catches for 34 yards ranking second on the team. 

Defensively, Samuel Dumas was in on 11 tackles and added 0.5 TFLs while Tyler Donnelly got in the mix with 10 stops. Catholic had three sacks on the day with Tyler McVicker recording a solo sack of Josh Ehrlich. The Cardinals lone turnover came as Shane Toal dove under a tipped ball to take possession for Catholic. 

For Susquehanna, the reigning Landmark Offensive Athlete of the Week, Ehrlich, accounted for six touchdowns. The signal caller threw for 294 yards and four scores while adding 63 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Rahshan La Mons rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown on just 14 carries for Susquehanna. He also added 80 receiving yards and another score. Kyle Howes made it five straight games with a touchdown to open the season, pulling in three passes for 82 yards and two scores. 

Catholic returns to action next weekend at Moravian. Kick is set for 12:00 p.m. at Rocco Calvo Field.