WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – Delaware Valley football suffered their second loss of the 2024 season, falling to King's College 14-6 on Saturday afternoon.
The game began with a series of four-and-outs from both teams. On Delaware Valley's second possession, a costly interception by Zach Barber ended their drive.
Starting from the DVU 47-yard line, King's College quickly made their mark. After two short runs, Brennan Robinson broke through the middle for a 34-yard touchdown, putting King's ahead 7-0. When DelVal took over, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on third down halted their progress, forcing a punt.
On second and 20, the Monarchs managed a first down pass to Kival Clarke. Though
Shaun Balkcom forced a fumble shortly after, King's recovered.
Darius Nichols ultimately ended the drive by intercepting Russell Minor-Shaw, whose pass was deflected into the air.
The Aggies faced a critical moment on fourth and two at the King's 12-yard line. A trick play failed, resulting in an incomplete pass from
Rob McConnell intended for
Alvaro Lora in the end zone.
Later in the second quarter,
Louie Barrios IV threw an interception to Jared Reto, placing King's in DelVal territory. The Monarchs capitalized on the turnover, accumulating 32 rushing yards and culminating in a four-yard touchdown pass to Tony Brinson. Delaney Hilferty successfully converted the extra point, extending King's lead to 14-0.
As the half neared its end,
Rafael Torres intercepted Minor-Shaw with just 13 seconds left. A kneel down sent both teams to the locker rooms.
The third quarter was characterized by punts and turnovers on downs, leaving the Aggies on their own 44-yard line.
Nick Arcaroli connected with
Karmi Hicks and Lora for a combined 25 yards, followed by a nine-yard rush from
Jack Fallon, advancing the Aggies to the Monarchs' 13. Barrios IV then rushed left for a 13-yard touchdown. The extra point attempt was blocked, making the score 14-6.
Jacquez Mabin sacked Minor-Shaw for a five-yard loss, forcing another fumble that
Brandon Perot recovered. This turnover positioned the Aggies at the King's 27, but despite advancing to the eight-yard line, the Monarchs' defense held strong. On fourth down,
Brendan Hazell's first field goal attempt of the season was blocked.
With five minutes remaining, the Aggies mounted a final drive, featuring runs by Fallon and catches by Hicks and
Nahsir Morgan, bringing them to the King's nine. After two rushes by Barrios and Fallon put them at the one-yard line, the Aggies called a timeout with seven seconds left.
On fourth and one, Barrios was sacked for a loss of four yards, sealing the game for King's College.
Following the loss, the Aggies fell to 6-2 overall and 5-2 in the Middle Atlantic Conference, while King's College improved to 7-1 overall and maintained their undefeated conference record at 7-0. The Aggies will conclude their regular season home schedule on Saturday, Nov. 9, hosting Eastern University at 12:00 p.m.
