Seton Hall Prep was awarded the fifth seed in the Non-Public A State Championship after a record of 4-5 in regular season. The Prep faced Pope John in the first round of States for the second time this year, having defeated them 14-7 earlier in the season.  

Seton Hall erupted early when Darren Burton ’23 returned the opening kickoff to the 50-yard line. Quarterback Liam Londergan ’24 completed multiple passes on the drive before finding Casey O’Sullivan ’24 for a seven-yard touchdown. The Prep’s defense was stellar on Pope John’s first drive forcing a 3-and-out. The Pirates offense continued to find the end zone, with Ben Mitrow ’25 scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Pope John cut the fourteen-point deficit in half with a Tylik Hill screen pass that went all the way for a 33-yard touchdown. However, The Prep answered immediately with Burton again returning a kickoff, but this time for 97-yards for a kickoff return touchdown! 

Darren’s return motivated The Prep as they ran away with the lead. The Prep offense scored three more touchdowns, one before the half by Michael Dunmore ’24, leading Prep to 28-7 score at halftime. In the second half, it was all Seton Hall. The Pirates continued to conquer. QB Londergan  was fantastic all day; specifically in the 3rd quarter, where Liam flashed his impressive speed resulting in two 25-yards-plus rushing touchdowns. Liam and the offense lead Seton Hall Prep to a demanding win over Pope John with a final 42-13.