After spending the better part of October on the road, the Spartans will finish up their regular season at home. And how they fare in their two game stand at The Graveyard could determine whether the 2019 campaign is extended or brought to a conclusion. It's been a roller coaster of a season for the team, and barring upsets over the next two weeks, a ride that will likely continue. Only the unthinkable happening in either of those games could alter what seemingly appears to be the squads destiny. However the remainder of the season plays out, it will do so in Sparta, which is a just reward for a group that has boarded a bus to compete in four of their last five contests. And with games left against two opponents, in which the pigskin prognosticators forecast the Spartans will win and lose handily, playing before the home fans could prove beneficial. Saint Mark's will indeed be sizable underdogs against Salesianum, but that is a discussion for a later date. First the Spartans must take on a Glasgow team that many expect them to dispatch easily.
The series with Glasgow has been an interesting one. Surprisingly, considering the close proximity of the schools, the teams have only met six times. Some of that can be attributed to the Dragon's enrollment numbers which has caused them to spend time in both divisions throughout the years. When the squads have squared off they have mostly been entertaining affairs. Of the six games played, four have been closely contested, with the eventual winner coming from behind to claim victory. In 1980 quarterback Paul Raytick ran for two scores and threw for another late in the game, leading the Spartans to a 20 - 18 win. Trailing 12 - 0 at intermission, the comeback delivered Jack Smiley his first victory as Saint Mark's head coach. Glasgow returned the favor the following year, erasing a 15 point halftime deficit, with a Mike Hubbard two point conversion sealing the Dragon's 22 - 21 win. A quarter century would pass before the teams met again in 2007.
In that contest the Spartans led 13 - 6 late in the third, only to see Glasgow score on an interception return and a Barren Griffin run giving the Dragon's a 20 - 13 victory. The win would mark Glasgow's last in the series, with Saint Mark's taking the next three. In 2008 the Spartan's broke open a close game in the second half behind the rushing of Brandon Baker, Rob DeMasi, and Matt Lennon to claim a 27 - 6 victory. The 2009 contest would be the most lopsided in the series, with Saint Mark's posting a 40 - 0 win in a rare matinee game at Baynard Stadium. In the last meeting between the schools (2010), the Spartans needed a big second half effort to put away a determined Glasgow squad, that led 26 - 21 at halftime. Whether the comeback trend continues in the renewal of the series we'll have to wait and see, though it does look as if the 2019 Dragons could prove a stiffer challenge than their record might indicate.
At 3 - 5, the Dragon's aren't expected to provide Saint Mark's much resistance in reaching their sixth win. However, Glasgow has played well at times and has talented play makers that can make things interesting. Running back Tariq Lawler is a threat whenever he touches the ball. And quarterback Aarick Brown has connected with his receivers for long touchdown passes throughout the year. Their offense has only been held to single digits once this season. The Dragons have struggled on the defensive side of the ball, and the Spartan's ability to take advantage in this area will be key in determining the outcome. Like Newark, Glasgow isn't a team you can let up on if you get ahead. Their ability to strike with big plays can keep them in a contest they look to be out of. I would fully expect Ernie Cunningham's squad to show up ready to play. Even though the teams don't meet often there is a little extra incentive due to the school's close proximity. If Saint Mark's matches the Dragon's intensity, and limits their mistakes, they should be able to enjoy another successful night in The Graveyard before being tasked with doing the unthinkable.