Catholic University of America

SALISBURY, Md.  – The Catholic football team traveled to take on 12th-ranked Salisbury on Saturday afternoon in its first road bout since week one. The Seagulls offense found its groove early in the first half, opening up a three score lead going into halftime that helped them defeat the Cardinals 47-10.

The Cardinals offense put together an impressive opening drive after receiving the opening kickoff, marching 75 yards on 17 plays and punching in the game's first touchdown. The drive was sparked when Brady McBride found Keegan Eichert in the flat and he picked up 17 yards to move the ball to the Catholic 45. Catholic picked up two fourth down conversions on the drive including a 15-yard catch by Jake Melograna on fourth and seven to set the Cardinals up at the Salisbury three. Two plays later Eichert punched it in from four yards out to give the Cardinals a 7-0 lead. 

Salisbury quickly responded with a touchdown drive of their own that went 63 yards in six plays while taking just three minutes off the clock. After a three and out on the ensuing Catholic drive, the Seagulls took the punt all the way back for a 50-yard punt return touchdown. 

The Seagulls tacked on two more touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 27-7 advantage into halftime. 

The Cardinals defense came up with a three and out on the opening drive of the second half and then a botched snap on a fourth down gave them the football at the Salisbury seven. Catholic was unable to punch the ball into the end zone but Maximo Machado knocked in a 25-yard field goal, his second of the season, to make it a 27-10 ballgame. 

Salisbury scored touchdowns on its next two possessions to put the game out of reach and eventually close out a 37-point victory. The Cardinals are now 0-4 on the season. 

Inside the Box Score

• Eichert's touchdown in the first quarter was the first of his career and it was the first rushing touchdown of the season for the Cardinals.
• For the third time this season, Billy Turner led the Cardinals in tackles with 11, making it the second time this season he has had double digit tackles in a game. He also had half a sack to bring his season TFL total to 2.5. 
• The Seagulls held a strong advantage in the running game, holding a 275-10 advantage in rushing yards.

Catholic opens up conference play in its next contest against Lycoming on Saturday, October 3 on the road against Lycoming. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 pm at David Person Field at Girardi Stadium.