Delbarton Holds Off Don Bosco in Early Season Test Between State’s Best
photo by: Ayden Acebo
One of the biggest in-state matchups of the early season lived up to the billing.
With Don Bosco taking on NJ Athletics’ top-ranked Delbarton, the stage was set for a high-level battle, and both teams delivered. In the end, it was Delbarton that weathered a late push, holding on for an 11–10 win on the road in a game that had momentum swings from start to finish.
After trading early chances, the Green Wave found their rhythm in the opening quarter and quickly created separation. Pierce Bolger got things going with a heads-up finish to tie the game, sparking a stretch where Delbarton’s offense began to click. Max Malchionni followed with a strong take to the front of the net, and Matthew Good added another as the Wave started to build momentum.
Late in the first quarter, Delbarton fully seized control. Brendan Sommer capped off the surge with a goal in the closing seconds, part of a four-goal run that gave the Green Wave a 5–2 lead after one.
The second quarter settled into a more balanced pace, but Delbarton continued to find answers offensively. Brandon Fodor played a key role in orchestrating the attack, creating opportunities and finishing when needed. Max Holda added to the lead with a clean finish, while Fodor later broke through on an isolation look to extend the advantage.
Don Bosco stayed within striking distance behind strong individual efforts. Dashiell Lane used his speed to create space and finish, while John Dever added a pair of goals to keep the Ironmen in it. A late goal before halftime trimmed the deficit to 8–6, setting up a competitive second half.
That’s when Bosco made its move.
The Ironmen came out aggressive in the third quarter, attacking the cage and finding success through their playmakers. Hudson Villarreal and Lane helped fuel the push as Bosco strung together four straight goals to tie the game and eventually take the lead. Heston Halesworth’s finish through traffic gave Don Bosco its first advantage since the opening minutes, flipping the momentum completely.
Jack Sheridan stepped up with a key goal to stop the run and reset the game, and once again it was Fodor delivering in a big moment. With time winding down in the third quarter, he created space and buried his third goal of the game to give the Green Wave a 10–9 lead heading into the fourth.
Delbarton managed to extend the lead to two late, but Don Bosco continued to apply pressure. Jason Koo converted with under two minutes to play to cut it back to a one-goal game, setting up a tense finish.
In the closing seconds, Bosco had one last opportunity, but Delbarton’s defense came through. A key disruption forced the ball loose, and the Green Wave were able to clear it and run out the clock to secure the 11–10 win.
Fodor led the way with three goals and three assists, while Sheridan added two goals and an assist. Lane paced Don Bosco with a hat trick, and Dever and Halesworth each contributed two goals in the loss.
In a matchup between two of the state’s top programs, it was Delbarton showing composure in the biggest moments. With the win, the Green Wave continue to build their case as the top team in New Jersey while proving they can handle a heavyweight test early in the season.