# 7 (DII) St. Marks Spartans vs #1 (DI) Salesianum Sals*
Opponent: Salesianum 8 - 1 (Home 4 - 0, Away 4 - 1)
National rank: #616 State rank: #1 **
Conference: Non-conference
When: Thursday, November 12th 7:30 PM
Where: University of Delaware Stadium Directions - Link
Last Played: 2014 St. Mark's won 28 - 21 at Salesianum
Weather: AM rain, light wind, high of 61, low of 44, 20% chance of rain in the evening.
Coach: Bill DiNardo
Schedule: Link
Roster: Link
Radio: WDEL Listen here: Link
* The News Journal now does their rankings by division, as opposed to doing one for all the teams in the state.
** Cal Preps Rankings
National rank: #616 State rank: #1 **
Conference: Non-conference
When: Thursday, November 12th 7:30 PM
Where: University of Delaware Stadium Directions - Link
Last Played: 2014 St. Mark's won 28 - 21 at Salesianum
Weather: AM rain, light wind, high of 61, low of 44, 20% chance of rain in the evening.
Coach: Bill DiNardo
Schedule: Link
Roster: Link
Radio: WDEL Listen here: Link
* The News Journal now does their rankings by division, as opposed to doing one for all the teams in the state.
** Cal Preps Rankings
Taking Down Goliath
We all know the story of David and Goliath. Average guy meets a giant on the battlefield, and prevails despite overwhelming odds. A great story and source of motivation, however a rarity in the world of sports. In a true David and Goliath match up, poor little David suffers a beat down at the hands of big old nasty Goliath, more often then not. So what is St. Mark's to do when they take on Delaware high school football's version of Goliath this Thursday night? Forfeit? Call up and say the bus broke down? Go out on the field, roll over and play dead? Hardly, they will get off the bus at Delaware Stadium, shake Goliath's hand and take whatever he has to offer. By now the Spartans have heard all week from the media, classmates, friends and perhaps family how they have no chance against Salesianum. The expected margin of defeat so large, the players might exit the locker room looking to see if a woodshed has been erected on the field. The players themselves might feel they have no chance. And that's okay. In the world of sports, Goliath wins better than 99.9% of the time. If Salesianum truly is a Goliath, then there is no shame in defeat, even if it involves a running clock. Does anyone really think David believed he could beat Goliath when he walked on the battlefield? Or that the the USA hockey team believed they would win when they took the ice against the Russians in 1980? It's doubtful, the odds were so overwhelming, they likely went out with the mindset of doing the best they could. What they did believe in was themselves, and their abilities. They were supposed to lose, so there only course of action was to go out and perform as well as they could. And when things went their way during the contest they used that belief in themselves, and their abilities to seize the moment. The Spartans should just block out all the noise. Forget winning or losing and just concentrate on doing their best. They should follow their coaches game plan and go about the business of taking down Goliath.
The rivalry between St. Mark's and Salesianum started the day St. Mark's opened their doors in 1969. The teams met that year on the gridiron for the first time, though only for a Freshman game. It would not be untill 1972 that the first Varsity game was played between the rivals, which Salesianum won 20 - 13. The intensity of the rivalry escalated immediately with St. Mark's winning the second game in the series, and five of the first eight played between the schools. It didn't sit well with the Salesian gentleman that the upstart Spartans where getting the better of their beloved football team. That St. Mark's had won three state titles to Salesianum's one during this period, only rubbed salt into the wound. Salesianum is
St. Mark's most played opponent, and their series is the Spartans longest running. The teams have met for 43 consecutive years, and played 47 games in that time span. Salesianum leads the series 30 -17 with a 3 - 1 record in the playoffs. With the rivalry taking on a life of it's own, a postseason meeting between the teams was highly anticipated, but wouldn't become reality untill 35 years after their initial meeting. Untill the DIAA expanded the playoff field from 4 teams to 6 in 2004 the games between the catholic school rivals, more often then not, eliminated one from postseason play. Between 1972 and 2005 the
teams had both qualified in the same year only once, in 1975, however both suffered defeat in the semifinals. It would be three decades later before a playoff contest between the foes could become a reality, and this time it did with Salesianum winning 14 - 0 in the 2006 semifinals. The schools would meet three more times in the postseason in the eight years since then. The Spartans lone playoff win came in 2010, enroute to winning their 4th state tile, avenging a loss to Salesianum the previous year in the finals. There has essentially been three eras in the history of the series, with a fourth starting this season. In
the early days, between 1972 and 1985 the teams were deadlocked at 7 - 7, but it was considered a more successful period for St. Mark's winning three state titles to Salesianum's one. It was followed by the streak, from 1986 to 1997 Salesianum won 12 consecutive games over St. Mark's, and two titles of their own. This also coincided with a 13 year postseason drought for the Spartans, marking it as one of the lower points in the programs history. Recently, from 1998 to 2014, has seen both programs among the elite, with Salesianum holding an 11 - 10 series lead, but enjoying more overall success, winning four titles to St. Mark's one. The fourth era started this season with St. Mark's moving to Division II. Only time will tell, how this will effect the series, or how long the era will last.
St. Mark's most played opponent, and their series is the Spartans longest running. The teams have met for 43 consecutive years, and played 47 games in that time span. Salesianum leads the series 30 -17 with a 3 - 1 record in the playoffs. With the rivalry taking on a life of it's own, a postseason meeting between the teams was highly anticipated, but wouldn't become reality untill 35 years after their initial meeting. Untill the DIAA expanded the playoff field from 4 teams to 6 in 2004 the games between the catholic school rivals, more often then not, eliminated one from postseason play. Between 1972 and 2005 the
teams had both qualified in the same year only once, in 1975, however both suffered defeat in the semifinals. It would be three decades later before a playoff contest between the foes could become a reality, and this time it did with Salesianum winning 14 - 0 in the 2006 semifinals. The schools would meet three more times in the postseason in the eight years since then. The Spartans lone playoff win came in 2010, enroute to winning their 4th state tile, avenging a loss to Salesianum the previous year in the finals. There has essentially been three eras in the history of the series, with a fourth starting this season. In
the early days, between 1972 and 1985 the teams were deadlocked at 7 - 7, but it was considered a more successful period for St. Mark's winning three state titles to Salesianum's one. It was followed by the streak, from 1986 to 1997 Salesianum won 12 consecutive games over St. Mark's, and two titles of their own. This also coincided with a 13 year postseason drought for the Spartans, marking it as one of the lower points in the programs history. Recently, from 1998 to 2014, has seen both programs among the elite, with Salesianum holding an 11 - 10 series lead, but enjoying more overall success, winning four titles to St. Mark's one. The fourth era started this season with St. Mark's moving to Division II. Only time will tell, how this will effect the series, or how long the era will last.
Salesianum certainly looks like a Goliath, at least among other Delaware teams. They are not invincible though, as proven by their loss to Father Judge of Pennsylvania. But that offers little consolation to teams in the first state. The Sals have rolled over their instate competition going 8 - 0 with their closest margin of victory by 14 points (against both Dover and Middletown). They returned a strong core group from last
years 7 - 4 team that lost to Sussex Tech in the quarterfinals of the DIAA playoffs. They are big and strong on both sides of the ball. While they lost most of their starters on the offensive line to graduation, newcomers have stepped in and filled the holes. Their inexperience was thought to be a weakness, but that has proven unfounded. They have paved they way for backs Colby Reeder and Zach Jarome. Reeder is having an outstanding season, and has been almost unstoppable in most of Salesianum's games. Garrett Cannon is back at quarterback and has improved as a passer adding another dimension to the Sals offensive attack. They still like to pound the ball and throw an occasional play action pass to keep the defense honest. However those passes have become more dangerous when Cannon goes to the air. Receivers Jeremy Ryan and Griffin Salvo are his primary targets. Salesianum has the 5th ranked offense in the state averaging 35.2 points per game. Their offense is powerful and explosive. Only Dover, Middletown, and Father Judge (PA) have held them to less than 30 points. Their special teams have been solid with consistant kickers and dangerous kick returners. The defense, led by Kyle Cathers, and Jamal Whittlsey on the line, Zach Jerome, Evan Mullin, Josh Patrick at linebacker, and Colby Reeder, Mitch Sgro, Merek Easton, and John Andreoli in the secondary, have been as equally impressive as the offense. The 56 points that Salesianum's defense allowed against Smyrna is deceiving. In their last five games they have allowed an average of 8.2 points per game. An even more impressive stat when you consider that they played Middletown, Concord, Dover, William Penn, and Sussex Tech during that stretch. With solid special teams, a powerful, clock controlling offense, and a stifilng defense, it is easy to see why Salesianum is the team to beat in Delaware.
Salesianum certainly looks like a Goliath, at least among other Delaware teams. They are not invincible though, as proven by their loss to Father Judge of Pennsylvania. But that offers little consolation to teams in the first state. The Sals have rolled over their instate competition going 8 - 0 with their closest margin of victory by 14 points (against both Dover and Middletown). They returned a strong core group from last
years 7 - 4 team that lost to Sussex Tech in the quarterfinals of the DIAA playoffs. They are big and strong on both sides of the ball. While they lost most of their starters on the offensive line to graduation, newcomers have stepped in and filled the holes. Their inexperience was thought to be a weakness, but that has proven unfounded. They have paved they way for backs Colby Reeder and Zach Jarome. Reeder is having an outstanding season, and has been almost unstoppable in most of Salesianum's games. Garrett Cannon is back at quarterback and has improved as a passer adding another dimension to the Sals offensive attack. They still like to pound the ball and throw an occasional play action pass to keep the defense honest. However those passes have become more dangerous when Cannon goes to the air. Receivers Jeremy Ryan and Griffin Salvo are his primary targets. Salesianum has the 5th ranked offense in the state averaging 35.2 points per game. Their offense is powerful and explosive. Only Dover, Middletown, and Father Judge (PA) have held them to less than 30 points. Their special teams have been solid with consistant kickers and dangerous kick returners. The defense, led by Kyle Cathers, and Jamal Whittlsey on the line, Zach Jerome, Evan Mullin, Josh Patrick at linebacker, and Colby Reeder, Mitch Sgro, Merek Easton, and John Andreoli in the secondary, have been as equally impressive as the offense. The 56 points that Salesianum's defense allowed against Smyrna is deceiving. In their last five games they have allowed an average of 8.2 points per game. An even more impressive stat when you consider that they played Middletown, Concord, Dover, William Penn, and Sussex Tech during that stretch. With solid special teams, a powerful, clock controlling offense, and a stifilng defense, it is easy to see why Salesianum is the team to beat in Delaware.
St. Mark's does indeed look like their up against it. Salesianum is a very good team, and the Spartans are rightfully a prohibitive underdog. But the reality in sports is that the best team doesn't always win. The team that makes less mistakes, commits fewer turnovers, and gets a few breaks usually does. Yes, in true David and Goliath match ups the underdog rarely succeeds. But when they do it's because they believe in themselves and when fate presents the opportunity to succeed they seize it. The strategy for St. Mark's is simple. Stop Salesianum's rushing attack, Colby Reeder in particular. Force them to the air, and pressure Garrett Cannon when they do. Salesianum won't give up on the run early, they will be patient, hoping to wear down St. Mark's defense. So it is imperative to keep the defense fresh, both through substitution and
ball control on offense. Limit big plays, and be on alert for play action passes. Salesianum doesn't have a prolific passing attack, but they will make you pay if you forget it exists. Do whatever you can to create turnovers, the team that commits more will likely lose. The Spartan offense will need to be opportunistic. Spread the defense out and attack all areas of the field. They will have to mix the pass and run. The offense will have to use every available weapon. Salesianum will likely key on Jamai Rice, so others will have to step up. Ball security is imperative. Like any underdog play field position and try to keep it close if you can't take the lead. The longer the game stays close the more pressure it puts on the favored team. Be fearless and have fun, you have nothing to lose. And if fate shines your way, seize the moment and take Goliath down!
Statistical comparison:
Points scored:
Total points scored: SAL - 317, SM - 203
Points per game average: SAL - 35.2, SM - 22.5
Points per game average home: SAL - 39.7, SM - 23.0
Points per game average away: SAL - 31.6, SM - 22.0
Points per game average against ranked opponents: SAL - 37.1, SM - 19.4 *
Shutout: SAL - 0, SM - 0
Points allowed:
Total points allowed: SAL - 138, SM - 155
Points per game average: SAL - 15.3, SM - 17.2
Points per game average home: SAL - 19.0, SM - 15.8
Points per game average away: SAL - 12.4, SM - 16.7
Points per game average against ranked opponents: SAL - 16.1, SM - 24.4 *
Shutouts: SAL - 0, SM - 2
Non Statistical:
Winning streak: SAL - 5, SM - 0 **
Losing streak: SAL - 0 - , SM - 1 **
Wins against ranked opponents: SAL - 6, SM - 1 *
Losses aginst ranked opponents: SAL - 0, SM - 4 *
* Only teams that are ranked in the News Journal at the time of calculation are used.
** can date to previous season(s)
Salesianum results to date:
Won 42 - 7 vs Cardinal Ohara (PA)
Won 45 - 20 at Caeser Rodney
Won 76 - 56 vs Smyrna
Lost 14 - 7 at Father Judge (PA)
Won 20 - 6 vs Middletown
Won 34 - 8 at Concord
Won 21 - 7 vs Dover
Won 30 - 13 at Wiliam Penn
Won 42 - 7 at Sussex Tech
Common opponents played:
None to date.
Additional game notes: n/a
Winner Score
1972 Salesianum 20 - 13
1973 St. Mark's 13 - 7
1974 St. Mark's 14 - 0
1975 Salesianum 7 - 0
1976 St. Mark's 20 - 7
1977 Salesianum 21 - 0
1978 St. Mark's 22 - 0
1979 St. Mark's 13 - 2
1980 Salesianum 26 - 0
1981 Salesianum 24 - 3
1982 St. Mark's 14 - 3
1983 Salesianum 13 - 6
1984 Salesianum 11 - 6
1985 St. Mark's 21 - 11
1986 Salesianum 21 - 0
1987 Salesianum 7 - 3
1988 Salesianum 30 - 7
1989 Salesianum 21 - 19
1990 Salesianum 28 - 6
1991 Salesianum 42 - 7
1992 Salesianum 20 - 0
1993 Salesianum 48 - 6
1994 Salesianum 20 - 0
1993 Salesianum 7 - 2
1996 Salesianum 18 - 17
1997 Salesianum 6 - 0
1998 St. Mark's 17 - 0
1999 St. Mark's 21 - 7
2000 Salesianum 18 - 8
2001 St. Mark's 14 - 13
2002 St. Mark's 10 - 6
2003 St. Mark's 31 - 23
2004 Salesianum 19 - 16
2005 Salesianum 37 - 15
2006 Salesianum 20 - 7
2006 Salesianum 14 - 13 DIAA Semifinals
2007 St. Mark's 21 - 20
2008 Salesianum 15 - 13
2009 Salesianum 28 - 9
2009 Salesianum 27 - 20 DIAA Finals **
2010 St. Mark's 28 - 14
2010 St. Mark's 24 - 10 DIAA Semifinals
2011 St. Mark's 28 - 17
2012 Salesianum 7 - 2
2012 Salesianum 20 - 14 DIAA Semifinals
2013 Salesianum 21 - 0 **
2014 St. Mark's 28 - 21
All games played at Baynard Stadium except where noted.
* - played at Delaware State University Stadium
** - played at The Graveyard, St. Mark's High School
1972 Salesianum 20 - 13
1973 St. Mark's 13 - 7
1974 St. Mark's 14 - 0
1975 Salesianum 7 - 0
1976 St. Mark's 20 - 7
1977 Salesianum 21 - 0
1978 St. Mark's 22 - 0
1979 St. Mark's 13 - 2
1980 Salesianum 26 - 0
1981 Salesianum 24 - 3
1982 St. Mark's 14 - 3
1983 Salesianum 13 - 6
1984 Salesianum 11 - 6
1985 St. Mark's 21 - 11
1986 Salesianum 21 - 0
1987 Salesianum 7 - 3
1988 Salesianum 30 - 7
1989 Salesianum 21 - 19
1990 Salesianum 28 - 6
1991 Salesianum 42 - 7
1992 Salesianum 20 - 0
1993 Salesianum 48 - 6
1994 Salesianum 20 - 0
1993 Salesianum 7 - 2
1996 Salesianum 18 - 17
1997 Salesianum 6 - 0
1998 St. Mark's 17 - 0
1999 St. Mark's 21 - 7
2000 Salesianum 18 - 8
2001 St. Mark's 14 - 13
2002 St. Mark's 10 - 6
2003 St. Mark's 31 - 23
2004 Salesianum 19 - 16
2005 Salesianum 37 - 15
2006 Salesianum 20 - 7
2006 Salesianum 14 - 13 DIAA Semifinals
2007 St. Mark's 21 - 20
2008 Salesianum 15 - 13
2009 Salesianum 28 - 9
2009 Salesianum 27 - 20 DIAA Finals **
2010 St. Mark's 28 - 14
2010 St. Mark's 24 - 10 DIAA Semifinals
2011 St. Mark's 28 - 17
2012 Salesianum 7 - 2
2012 Salesianum 20 - 14 DIAA Semifinals
2013 Salesianum 21 - 0 **
2014 St. Mark's 28 - 21
All games played at Baynard Stadium except where noted.
* - played at Delaware State University Stadium
** - played at The Graveyard, St. Mark's High School
Go St. Mark's Beat Sallies!!!!