Delmarva Christian ended September on the right foot, picking up a 3-2 win against Seaford Sept. 30.

The Royals began the match with aggressive play in the final third. The first goal of the game came after junior Isaiah Walton managed to keep a ball in play that appeared to be on its way out. 

“One of the things I push the guys for is to not give up, and to keep playing and crashing the goal,” said Delmarva Christian head coach Dan Walton.

Seaford tied the game a few minutes later, but Isaiah Walton kept up the pressure on the Blue Jays defense to collect his second assist as Delmarva Christian took a 2-1 lead. Before the half ended, junior Kasey Bell generated another chance the Royals converted on the spot, putting the home team ahead 3-1.

“We played really well; it was nice getting the momentum in the beginning and being able to stay in control of the game,” said Royals freshman Jay Parrish.

Unfortunately, play got out of hand in the 55th minute and players for both teams were sent off due to inappropriate actions. The match continued as a 9 v. 9 game and Seaford had a little more space on the field to pursue a comeback. Royals junior Quinn Downs’ 10 saves helped stave off the Blue Jays’ counters. Timely tackles from freshman Joseph “Trey” Beck and senior Lewis Briggs along with strong midfield play from Bell and Mauricio Chavez helped keep the two-goal lead for nearly all of the second half. 

Seaford kept battling, however, and a Blue Jays goal on the last play brought the final score to 3-2. Parrish and Chavez each scored a goal for the Royals, and sophomore Harrison Schlabach netted one.

Delmarva Christian moves to 5-3 and looks to add a few more wins, hosting three matches the first week of October. Worcester Prep will visit the Royals Monday, Oct. 2, before Laurel travels east along Route 9 Thursday, Oct. 5, and Salisbury School comes to town Friday, Oct. 6.