Malvern Prep vs Delbarton School

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La Salle Recap

OCEAN CITY, NJ – Going into the half down two scores, Malvern hoped to enter the second half strong. Only, a pick six on the opening drive put La Salle up 21-3 in the opening drive of the second half.

Malvern finally gained some momentum late in the third quarter though, as Jackson Melconian pieced together a drive that ended in a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jake Bauer. They went for two, and Melconian connected with new tight end transfer Jackson Ford. Just like that, it was a 10-point game at 21-11.

The two sides then traded fourth down stops, but the Explorers were able to march down to the Friars’ redzone. It was then Andrew Pellicciotta coming up big with a fumble recovery that he took from the Malvern 20 to the La Salle 10 with 7:30 to go in the quarter. It was an easy punch-in for Chris Smith from there, as his touchdown made it a one-score game.

That’s where the chaos started though. Austin Trout clearly kicked the PAT through the uprights, but the ref called it no-good, which kept it a four-score game at 21-17.

It may have been just one point, but it changed the trajectory of everything.

After the parents and student section joined head coach Dave Gueriera in voicing their frustrations at the ref, rightfully so, it took a bit for the Friars to get back on their feet. La Salle was able to storm downfield, but they were once again called short on fourth down and Malvern got the ball back with three minutes to go.

Melconian, backed up at his own 10 to start the drive, moved Malvern into Explorers territory with several impressive throws – the Friars were set up inside the 40 with three timeouts left and just under a minute left ton the clock. But, he chucked one up over the middle and it resulted in a game-sealing interception for La Salle.

However, even with three timeouts left, Gueriera doesn’t know if Melconian would have made said throw, had they had the cushion of being able to get a field goal – which goes back to the errantly-called PAT.

“I do believe that it had an effect. Had that PAT been scored, there’s a possibility where maybe we’re playing a little differently there because we have the cushion of a field goal,” he said.

Malvern had seven penalties for 45 yards – La Salle had six infractions for 50 themselves, but the difference-maker was the turnovers the Friars had on offense.

“It’s a really good team. We talked about it all week, the team that makes the least amount of mistakes is going to win the game, and Malvern made more mistakes than La Salle. It’s simple, but it’s true. With all the penalties and turnovers it’s hard to win a game like that.”

La Salle captures their first Beach Bash win over Malvern since 2021, after a 13-7 loss to the Friars last year and a blowout 35-0 loss the year prior. While they only share the same conference in hockey, many would consider La Salle and Malvern a legit rivalry.

“This is a great rivalry, I think it’s one of the top games in the state every year,” Gueriera said. “We look forward to continuing it.”

Pellicciotta led the team with nine carries for 52 yards while Chris Smith and Zeke Bates combined for 11 touches. Pellicciotta and PJ Holmes tied for a team-high four receptions.

Melconian was 14-of-23 through the air with 177 yards.

“I thought Jackson played a heck of a game. He definitely gave us a spark,” Gueriera said. “He did what you ask of a quarterback. Be a leader, keep everybody organized, and he did a great job. So, really proud of him.”

The Friars, even if they ended up on the losing side, still had showed plenty of resiliency in a near comeback.

“I love that,” Gueriera said when asked about the team’s resiliency. “There was no quit, anyone sinking their heads. It was excitement to get back out in the second half. But, that turnover was really costly on that first drive when we came out.”

The Beach Bash continues to be a success for both Malvern and La Salle – stands are backed to the brim annually and three of the four Beach Bashes have been tight, competitive games.

“We’re playing two hours away from home and it’s the best-attended game we’ll get. The support from our alumni, parents, and students is incredible – Malvern Prep football means something to a lot of people and it shows.”

Malvern takes on Delbarton (NJ) on the road at 1 p.m. this Saturday, hoping to grab their first win. The Green Wave fell to the Friars 20-17 last season at Malvern, despite having an early 14-0 lead – though they opened their season with a 34-7 win over Iona Prep that saw them throw for over 300 passing yards.

“We got a team that is looking for revenge from last year. A team that went to the state finals in New Jersey and lost to Bergen Catholic, so we’re gonna need to get back to work.”

Quinn Riley '25