After a commanding victory against their West Orange nemesis, the SHP Pirates, Delbarton’s football team was riding a Green Wave of bliss on its way to MetLife Stadium. When the Green Wave arrived, Bergen Catholic, the #1 team in the state, greeted them coldly. BC’s gold metallic helmets, impressively synchronized warm-up routine, and their players’ sheer size set a precedent prior to the first snap.
The game began how critics predicted: Bergen Catholic dominated. On the game’s first play, Anthony Perrotti of BC delivered a massive return to prompt a first-drive touchdown.
Delbarton’s quarterback, Chrisitan Zebrowski, had his first pass acrobatically intercepted into the hands of a diving Delaney Fludd after it deflected off of Elijah Kinsler. BC capitalized on the opportunity when Dante Kain punched it in the end zone for the score to make it 14-0.
Bergen Catholic’s players and student section were ecstatic, felt unstoppable, and began to display significant levels of confidence that seemingly could not be diminished.
Delbarton’s side of the field had the exact opposite mood. Their plan to win the game’s first plays failed miserably, and their offense looked flustered. However, Philip Folmar and the Green Wave’s student section brought an unexpected resurgence in an effort to save the game. A lousy punt and carless penalties soon added up for Bergen Catholic and rewarded Delbarton with a great field position and an opportunity to score.
The accumulation of Bergen Catholic mistakes flipped the tides and overall atmosphere of the game upside down. Delbarton and its unresting student section persisted with chants and cheers to display the passion and brotherhood for which the Green Wave is known. The Delbarton defense held strong and kept their offense in the game. Throughout their scoring drought and lackluster play, each Delbarton student stood tall and closely watched each down, hoping for a different outcome than the last.
At this point in the game, their hearts may have been as frozen as the temperatures on November 28th, but their hands and mouths were ablaze with avidity and fervor. As if they were not loud enough, Delbarton’s student section began banging on the back of the seats to create a noise so loud that it filled the stadium with vibrations and echoed like a thunderous symphony of determination and persistence.
Folmar added to the Green Wave resurrection with a wildcat touchdown run that brought his team closer. Dallas Hurley and the Delbarton defense continued to exhibit intelligence and spatial awareness, keeping BC out of the air and to a short-run game. When Zebrowski got the ball back, the Green Wave took advantage of the opportunity. The run game opened up the pass, and Delbarton’s QB connected with Austin Kivler to further damage BC’s ego. Next, Folmar did what he does under pressure: score. His 12th touchdown of the season was yet another wildcat run to tie it up.
After halftime, Delbarton’s offense kept the pressure and displayed immense confidence. Matthew Tafuri delivered on a chunk play that brought the Green Wave one step closer to another score. Unfortunately, an errant snap led to a fumble and eventual BC touchdown. This momentum change proved too challenging to overcome for the Green Wave as they surrendered a field goal and, after a well-fought battle, succumbed to a 24-14 loss. With their victory, Bergen Catholic has added to its trophy case and has now won three consecutive NJ State Championships.
However, Delbarton School and its football team deserve much commendation for their successful season and ability to compete with the #24 football team in the nation. This is especially true considering their roster. Delbarton’s quarterback is a baseball commit, their star wide receiver is a two-sport varsity athlete, another is an even better basketball player, and their first-year kicker is a golfer. Delbarton adds to their athlete group with their punter and star running back, both college lacrosse commits.
Delbarton will lose 26 seniors including some of their stars in Dallas Hurley, Jake Macce, Ryan Cregan, Ryan Trafford, and Tyler DaSilva.
Regardless of the game’s outcome, the 2023 Delbarton Football team was one to remember, and according to NJ Media and Delbarton insiders, it may have been the best team they’ve ever had.
