How Delbarton football dominated Pope John in convincing 30-6 victory

SPARTA — Ryan Trafford ran for three rushing touchdowns as Delbarton never looked back, running to a 30-6 victory over Pope John on Saturday afternoon.

After a scoreless first quarter, Trafford had touchdown runs of 29 and two yards to give Delbarton a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. A 40-yard Will Kramer field goal led to a 17-0 lead for the Green Wave at the half.

Trafford had his third rushing touchdown in the third quarter, running in from six yards out to go up, 24-0. Phillip Folmar's seven-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter grew the Delbarton lead to 30 after a missed extra point. The Lions avoided a shutout with a blocked punt in the fourth quarter, returned by Tyler Houser 12 yards for a touchdown. A botched snap on the extra point forced Pope John to try and convert for two points, but it failed.

What it means

Delbarton is now in position to compete for the SFC united White division title in two weeks against DePaul with both teams undefeated within the division. Delbarton has now won four straight games since a loss by a field goal against Malvern Prep (PA). That streak will officially grow to five in a row as the Green Wave will receive a forfeit from Hudson Catholic next weekend.

Pope John, who had double digit victories in four of their five wins this season, had only suffered one setback entering Saturday, losing by six to Cardinal Hayes (NY). However, the Lions were unable to snap a losing streak to Delbarton on Saturday for a sixth straight defeat in the series. The Lions have not won since the teams first met back in 2017.

Pope John player ejected

Things went from bad to worse for Pope John. In the fourth quarter, trailing 30-0, a late hit on quarterback Chris Dietrich prompted star running back Tylik Hill to shove the Delbarton defender who committed the penalty. That led to a dead ball foul on Hill, negating some of the gain from the late hit on the play.

On the next play, a swing pass to Hill, the junior running back was tackled and tempers continued to flare between the teams. A flag flew in and Delbarton defenders exclaimed that they saw Hill spit on an opponent. Hill was ejected from the game, then threw his helmet in frustration while leaving the field.

The disqualification report stated that Hill "deliberately head-butted a Delbarton player." Hill will have to sit out the Lions' next game, at DePaul.

"Per NJSIAA rules, any player disqualified from an NJSIAA football game is required to serve a one-game suspension. There are no appeals to a disqualification once it has been filed by an official," NJSIAA public relations director Michael Cherenson said in a statement to NJHerald.com.

Hill is the leading rusher for Pope John with 832 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns as a junior entering Saturday's game.

Up next

Delbarton (5-1) will accept a forfeit against Hudson Catholic next week before traveling to DePaul (3-3) on Oct. 21.

Pope John (5-2) heads to DePaul (3-3) on Friday.

CORRECTION: This story version clarifies the reason for the ejection of Pope John player Tylik Hill from the game. Officials ruled that Hill head butted an opposing player.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Football: Delbarton dominates Pope John for fourth straight victory