In an exhilarating clash on Friday night in Wayne between two of the top SFC Unite White Division teams, Delbarton stunned the previously unbeaten DePaul Spartans, winning 52-51 in overtime. With this victory, the Green Wave, ranked No. 3 in the NJ.com Top 20, showcased their resilience as they rallied from a 45-31 deficit in the final minutes. Quarterback Jadon Prinzivalli threw for 285 yards and four touchdowns, while Phillip Folmar was the star of the night, finishing with five touchdowns, including a crucial 38-yard Hail Mary reception to force overtime.
The first half was filled with big scoring plays as DePaul found themselves up 28-7 in the second quarter thanks to a blocked punt in the end zone. However, the Green Wave refused to quit, and Phil Folmar kept Delbarton in the game with a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The Spartans would respond with a 55-yard touchdown by Elijah Burress, but Delbarton capped off a great last drive of the first half with Matt Tafuri punching it in from 2-yards out, cutting the halftime lead to a 2-score game. Delbarton scored on the opening drive of the third quarter and kept the Spartans off the board, keeping the deficit to a one-touchdown game.
As the fourth quarter wound down, DePaul appeared in control after Nolan James Jr. rushed for a touchdown, extending their lead. However, the Green Wave responded dramatically, with Brock Dandridge catching an 8-yard touchdown pass from Prinzivalli to cut the deficit. After recovering an onside kick, Delbarton executed a last-second drive that culminated in Folmar's game-tying reception as time expired, sending the game into overtime.
In the extra period, Delbarton seized the momentum. Folmar powered through for a 14-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Green Wave their first lead of the game. Kicker Will Kramer's successful PAT solidified their advantage. DePaul responded with a touchdown pass from Derek Zammit to De'zie Jones but opted for a risky two-point conversion attempt to seal the victory. The Spartans' trick play fell incomplete after a sprawling deflection by Lucas Cardinale, allowing Delbarton to celebrate their hard-fought victory, and a United White Division title.
This win also positions them favorably in the Non-Public A playoff bracket, trailing only Bergen Catholic and Don Bosco Prep. With only two losses this season, Delbarton looks poised for a strong postseason run, thanks in part to standout performances from players like Folmar and Prinzivalli. The Green Wave's ability to rally and perform under pressure marks them as a formidable contender as they move forward in the season. The Green Wave finish the regular season this Friday night against Paramus Catholic. Kick off set for 7:00pm in Paramus.
