Brunswick opened its 2026 season in impressive fashion Friday night, using a dominant second half to pull away from Salisbury for a 43–13 victory on Cosby Field.

Senior quarterback Ben Rolapp opened the scoring with a 25-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. After Salisbury answered to cut the lead to 7–6, Sawyer Bligh scored twice in the second quarter, finding the end zone from 25 and 4 yards out to give the Bruins a 21–13 halftime advantage.

Brunswick took complete control after the break, scoring 22 unanswered points while holding Salisbury scoreless throughout the second half.

Rolapp connected with Caden Tate for a seven-yard touchdown, and then Rolapp ran in the two-point conversion to extend the lead to 29–13. Later in the third quarter, Rolapp found Alex McCormack for a seven-yard score before James Smith connected with Tate for a 55-yard touchdown to complete the scoring.

The Bruins received strong production from both quarterbacks. Rolapp completed 7 of 11 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns while adding 37 rushing yards and a score. Smith completed 6 of 7 attempts for 111 yards and a touchdown as the pair combined to go 12 of 17 for 294 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Bligh led the ground attack with 127 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. He also caught two passes for 26 yards, finishing with 153 yards from scrimmage.

Tate delivered several of the game’s biggest plays, catching three passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns. McCormack added three receptions for 59 yards and a score, while Noah Park contributed a 29-yard reception in his return to game action.

In all, Brunswick produced nearly 480 yards of offense and scored on the ground and through the air while its defense kept Salisbury off the scoreboard over the final two quarters.

The Bruins now look forward to another chapter in a longstanding all-boys school rivalry when they host familiar foe Avon Old Farms next Saturday at 6 p.m. on Cosby Field.