By Aaron Bruce
Staff Writer
Starting off their game on Saturday, expectations were high for the Gulls, with it being family weekend as well as another home game in front of anxious Salisbury fans.
However, the anticipation was greeted with a disappointing conclusion, as the Sydney-Hampden Tigers marched into Salisbury and defeated the Sea Gulls 32-28.
The Gulls’ performance against Husson University last week revealed 672 yards of total offense, 27 first downs and 11 offensive touchdowns in a matchup the Gulls won 84-7....
This week was the topic of discussion, as the Salisbury football team, now 3-1, took on Hampden-Sydney.
However, the anticipation was greeted with a disappointing conclusion, as the Sydney-Hampden Tigers marched into Salisbury and defeated the Sea Gulls 32-28.
The first half consisted of minimal bright spots, as running back Bryan Woolson rushed for 108 yards on four carries. Most notable was his 86-yard run to tie the game. Woolson admitted the 86-yard run was “big for the offense,” but that motivation stemming from that drive needed to be sustained. Unfortunately, the rest of the first half consisted of not-so-pleasant plays.
The football team fumbled the ball an astounding six times, losing three, nullifying any chances to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
“This is a smart football team, and we needed to play smart football,” said head coach Sherman Wood.
The second half warranted a different Salisbury team. They did not seem to play with the aura of cockiness and arrogance displayed in the first half, and there was a sense of urgency with every snap.
Salisbury came out with half-time adjustments, and began running the football with regularity and success.
Woolson went in for another score, and Dan Griffin managed two touchdown runs that helped propel Salisbury over the tough Hampden-Sydney opposition.
Hampden-Sydney held tough, and mustered a stop on what would have been a game-winning drive for the Sea Gulls, handing Salisbury their first loss.
For Salisbury, it is about playing 60 minutes of football, and playing consistently.
Griffin understood, stating, “We came out thinking it would be a breeze.”
He also mentioned the importance of looking ahead to next week, as Salisbury will take on the Apprentice School in an away game. If last year’s results are any indication, Salisbury should rebound in a strong way.
“We expected no losses, but now that we have one, we expect no more,” Woolson said.
For Salisbury, Woolson’s words speak to the frustration of a loss, but it calls for a renewed work ethic, and a refreshed sense of purpose, something the Sea Gulls hope to acquire in practice this week.
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