Delbarton football secured a strong 28-7 home victory over rival Seton Hall Prep on Saturday, improving their record to 2-3 while pushing the Pirates to 1-3 on the season.

The first quarter was a defensive battle, with neither team putting points on the board. Delbarton struck first in the second quarter when Matt Tafuri broke free for a 26-yard touchdown run, putting the Green Wave up 7-0. Seton Hall Prep answered quickly on a 53-yard touchdown pass from Ty Newcomb to Leonard West, tying the game at 7-7.

Delbarton regained the lead before halftime with a 42-yard touchdown reception by Grant Van Raaphorst from quarterback Gavin Gilardi, who went 8-for-12 passing for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Van Raaphorst finished with two touchdown catches and 139 yards receiving, proving to be a key weapon in the passing game.

In the third quarter, Delbarton extended their lead as Gilardi connected again with Van Raaphorst on a spectacular 76-yard touchdown pass on a slant play down the middle of the field. Freshman quarterback Jayden Schmalz then capped the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run, pushing the final margin to 28-7.

On the ground, Kobe Irby-Mason led the rushing attack with 26 carries for 170 yards, supported by Austin Kiely's 14 rushes for 39 yards and Tafuri's 4 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown.

Delbarton's defense was relentless, highlighted by Emmet Caughey's eight total tackles and a forced fumble, Michael Sclafani's key interception, and solid performances from Luke McBride (6 tackles), Nick Stoll (5), and Matt O'Leary (5).

With the win, Delbarton looks to build momentum as they head into a challenging road game against Pope John this Saturday in Sparta.