Delbarton has officially earned its place at the top of the table.
A year after its best season in nearly a decade, the Morris Township parochial school is in the conversation when it comes to the best programs in New Jersey.
Last fall, the Green Waves won all nine regular season games against in-state opponents, reached their first state championship game since 2014 and finished with an overall record of 10-2.
After this unforgettable season, Delbarton begins the season ranked No. 1 in the Morris/Sussex Top 10.
“The best thing about last year’s success is that it makes our kids and the program feel like they’re among the best in the parish,” said coach Brian Bowers. “We were at the top all season and at the end of the year. That was very gratifying. It was a special group of kids.”
“We have a good core back this year that has experienced success. Many have waited patiently for their chance and are now eager to prove themselves. Their goal is to lead the team, take control and make it their own. Every year has its own story.”
Delbarton supports 24 seniors, many of whom will be playing full-time for the first time. Led by versatile senior Phil Folmar, a rare four-year starter, Delbarton expects to pick up where it left off in 2023. Last fall, Folmar rushed for 349 yards and eight touchdowns, caught 47 passes for 579 yards, four touchdowns and returned 10 kicks for 202 yards. He also plays out of the Wildcat formation.
In last year’s Non-Public A state final against top-ranked Bergen Catholic, Folmar scored both Green Wave touchdowns in a 24-14 loss.
“I can say that only a handful of guys at the community level can say they’ve been a starter for four years,” Bowers said. “He exudes confidence and has always been a player who puts the team first. We’re going to put him up front as much as possible and try to give him the ball a lot.”
Senior running back Brock Dandridge (459 yards, six touchdowns) and junior Matt Tafuri (174 yards, two touchdowns) will do most of the running in the backfield.
MORE: Insights into the high school football teams in Morris and Sussex counties
The tradition
The Green Wave has won 41 division titles since 1946.
Delbarton’s last state title came in 1998, when it secured the Non-Public Group 3 championship. It also secured a title in 1993, as well as state championships in 1968 and 1978.
Last fall, the Green Wave reached a state final for the first time in nine years. Before that, Delbarton last played in a championship final in 2014, when they lost 45-20 to Red Bank Catholic in Non-Public Group 3.
The challenge
The biggest challenge for Delbarton will be replacing the performances of last year’s seniors on both sides of the ball. The top priority is filling four positions on the front line.
First-year quarterback Jayden Prinzivalli steps in at quarterback after serving as a backup to Christian Zebrowski last year.
With the return of three regular players to the defense, the Green Wave will have a new face, even though some regular players had a lot of playing time last year.
“We need to distribute the ball more this year,” Bowers said. “But most of our core players have experience and were active contributors a year ago.”
Expectations
Delbarton expects to compete for another division and state title and compete against some of the top teams in the state.
The Green Wave is expected to get off to a fast start and gain momentum well before the postseason.
schedule
31.August: against Iona Prep (NY)
7 September: vs. Malvern Prep (Pa.)
13 September: at Monsignor Farrell (NY)
21 September: at St. Peter’s Prep
28 September: at Seton Hall Prep
October 5: against Pope John
19 October: against Bergen Catholic
25 October: at DePaul
1 November: at Paramus Catholic
