St. Augustine stuns #2 Delbarton in Non-Public A Quarterfinals

In a quarterfinal matchup where defense reigned supreme, St. Augustine Hermits eked out a thrilling 9-7 victory over the Delbarton Green Wave, advancing in the Non-Public Group A tournament.

Delbarton started strong, with Phillip Folmar bulldozing his way into the end zone on a 2-yard run early in the first quarter, capped by a successful kick from Will Kramer to give the Green Wave an early 7-0 lead. This initial surge set the tone for what would become a defensive slugfest.

St. Augustine began to claw back in the second quarter. Luke Tanzola’s leg proved crucial as he nailed a 45-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 7-3 and injecting momentum into the Hermits' sideline. This score was a testament to the Hermits' resilience, managing to put points on the board despite the tight defense from Delbarton.

The defining moment came in the third quarter when Julian Turney powered through Delbarton's line for a 3-yard touchdown run. The kick failed, but the touchdown was enough to push St. Augustine into the lead with a score of 9-7. Turney’s run was emblematic of the Hermits' relentless drive and ability to capitalize on crucial opportunities.

From there, the game turned into a defensive standoff, with both teams thwarting each other's efforts to alter the scoreboard further. St. Augustine's defense, in particular, stood tall, preventing any more points from a determined Delbarton squad, and sealing a hard-fought victory.

This win not only pushes St. Augustine deeper into the playoff bracket but also showcases their ability to perform under pressure and secure wins in tightly contested battles. The Hermits prepare themselves to take on another powerhouse, as they look take on #4 team in the state, Don Bosco Prep.