Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Delbarton Athletics

Scoreboard

2025 football team

Varsity Football Jared Lowy

2025 Varsity Football Season Preview

The Delbarton football program enters the 2025 season looking to build on the success of last fall, when the Green Wave posted a 7–3 record, captured a United division championship, and earned a non-public home playoff game. While a large group of starters graduated in June, this year's roster features a promising blend of veteran leadership, young talent, and key newcomers ready to make their mark.

Captains Matt Tafuri and Michael Sclafani set the tone for the Green Wave. Tafuri, a versatile player, returns as a centerpiece of the Delbarton offense and a steady presence in the backfield after spending two seasons in the slot as a RB/WR. Sclafani, meanwhile, provides leadership on the defensive side at linebacker, where he anchors a unit that will be tested early and often.

The defense brings back a strong secondary with seniors Nick Stoll and Chase Houser, along with sophomore standout Chaz Cusimano, who impressed as an underclassman last season. On the defensive line, senior Chris Dadas returns after a season-ending injury in 2024, pairing with the consistent play of Devin Martin to give Delbarton strength up front. At linebacker, senior Emmett Caughey adds experience and depth to Coach Leotti's defense.

Offensively, Delbarton will look to establish balance under coordinator Luke Chiarolanzio. The running game is led by Tafuri and Kobe Irby-Mason, while wide receivers Girard Yoo and Grant Van Raaphorst return to provide reliable options in the passing attack. Under center, the Green Wave will feature new faces, with junior Gavin Gilardi and freshman Jayden Schmalz competing to replace graduate quarterback Jadon Prinzivalli.

Up front, the offensive line will take shape around returners Jack Christie, Tanner Koss, and Matthew Shivas. The group will also be bolstered by Randolph transfer Brooks Koepke, who brings added size, strength and experience.

Delbarton once again faces one of the state's most demanding schedules. The Green Wave open the year on August 30 with a road trip to Ohio to face nationally ranked St. Edward. A September 13 home opener against Monsignor Farrell (NY) follows, along with another out-of-state challenge at Malvern Prep (PA). Within New Jersey, the Super Football Conference slate offers no easy task, featuring match ups with St. Peter's Prep, Seton Hall Prep, Pope John, Bergen Catholic, DePaul Catholic, and Paramus Catholic.

The 2025 season presents an opportunity for a young and talented Delbarton roster to grow under the leadership of its captains and head coach Brian Bowers. With its "win this play" mentality, the Green Wave will look to continue their tradition of competing at the highest level against elite opponents in New Jersey and beyond.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Emmett Caughey

#10 Emmett Caughey

LB
6' 4"
Junior
Michael Sclafani

#11 Michael Sclafani

LB
Junior
Jadon Prinzivalli

#12 Jadon Prinzivalli

QB
6' 0"
Senior
Girard Yoo

#13 Girard Yoo

WR
Junior
Gavin Gilardi

#18 Gavin Gilardi

QB
Freshman
Nick Stoll

#20 Nick Stoll

DB
5' 10"
Junior
Chase Houser

#24 Chase Houser

DB
Junior
Grant Van Raaphorst

#27 Grant Van Raaphorst

WR
Freshman
Chaz Cusimano

#30 Chaz Cusimano

DB
Freshman
Kobe Irby-Mason

#39 Kobe Irby-Mason

RB
6' 1"
Sophomore
Matthew Shivas

#62 Matthew Shivas

OL
Sophomore
Jack Christie

#64 Jack Christie

OL
6' 1"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Emmett Caughey

#10 Emmett Caughey

6' 4"
Junior
LB
Michael Sclafani

#11 Michael Sclafani

Junior
LB
Jadon Prinzivalli

#12 Jadon Prinzivalli

6' 0"
Senior
QB
Girard Yoo

#13 Girard Yoo

Junior
WR
Gavin Gilardi

#18 Gavin Gilardi

Freshman
QB
Nick Stoll

#20 Nick Stoll

5' 10"
Junior
DB
Chase Houser

#24 Chase Houser

Junior
DB
Grant Van Raaphorst

#27 Grant Van Raaphorst

Freshman
WR
Chaz Cusimano

#30 Chaz Cusimano

Freshman
DB
Kobe Irby-Mason

#39 Kobe Irby-Mason

6' 1"
Sophomore
RB
Matthew Shivas

#62 Matthew Shivas

Sophomore
OL
Jack Christie

#64 Jack Christie

6' 1"
Junior
OL