DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — Delaware Valley football dominated in its MAC opener on Saturday, rolling past defending conference champion King's College, 49–7.
The first three drives of the game featured five plays and three turnovers, including an interception by
Jeremiah Clark and a fumble recovery by
Micah Bootman. Set up at the King's 35, the Aggies capitalized when
Justin Brown capped a short drive with a rushing touchdown to make it 7–0 with 8:51 left in the first. The Monarchs threatened on their next series, but a sack by
Thomas Arcaroli ended the drive and forced a punt.
Three minutes into the second quarter, a short punt and personal foul set up DelVal in good field position.
Mike Galasso appeared to connect with
Gavin Migliori in the end zone, and after review, the call was overturned for a touchdown, doubling the lead to 14–0. Arcaroli then forced and recovered a fumble, and the Aggies punched it in after six plays as
Jerimya Paula scored from close range.
Brendan Hazell, who finished a perfect 7-for-7 on extra points, added the PAT for a 21–0 lead.
The Aggie defense continued to shine, as
Tayshaun Newman broke up a pass to stall King's again. Galasso then found
Kahir Thompson for 19 yards before hitting
Alex Rufe on a 31-yard touchdown strike to push the lead to 28–0. Just before halftime, Galasso connected with
Cory Gordon,
Joel Perez, and Migliori before finding Rufe again for a 21-yard score, sending DelVal into the break up 35–0.
In the third, Jovan Tyrrell intercepted Mims, and although his 41-yard return was called back on a penalty, the Aggies wasted no time. After a short run by
Brady Beres, Galasso went deep to Migliori, who hauled in a 94-yard touchdown. King's broke up the shutout later in the quarter on a nine-play drive capped by a 9-yard rush from Ellis.
With
Peyton Murphy taking over at quarterback in the fourth, the Aggies kept rolling. After a 26-yard run by Zyaire Goffney-Flemming, Murphy connected with Perez at the 1-yard line before Goffney-Flemming punched it in for the final score, 49–7.
Galasso led the way with 335 passing yards and four touchdowns, spreading the scoring across five different players. Clark anchored the defense with 12 tackles, while Arcaroli tallied two sacks to go along with his forced fumble and recovery.
With the win, Delaware Valley improves to 1–1 overall and 1–0 in MAC play. The Aggies will look to keep momentum going next Saturday, September 20, at Albright College.
