While the Spartan football team was preparing for Archmere Academy and CBS Friday Football Frenzy, another frenzy was taking place down below in the stadium. The Soccer team was battling Polytech in their home opener. After carrying play through much of the match, the Spartans were finally rewarded with the game winner by Anthony Rocco in the 70th minute.
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Who: Archmere Academy 2 - 1 (Home 1 - 1, Away 1 - 0) Media Rank: TNJ: # 8 , WDEL: # NR National Rank: #8013 State Rank: #23 Conference: Diamond State, Conference Record: 1 - 0 When: Friday, September 28th, 7:00 PM Where: Saint Mark's High School - Link Series: Saint Mark's leads the series 10 - 7 Last Played: 2017, Saint Mark's won 35 - 7 Weather: Game time temps: A high of 68, low of 64, a 5% chance of rain with 3 - 4 MPH winds. Media Coverage: CBS Football Friday Frenzy (see below) Coach: John Bellace Schedule: Link Roster: Link ** CalPreps rankings. For the Spartans, the 2018 season has been a pretty smooth ride so far. At 3 - 0, they have outscored their opponents by an average of 43.3 points per game. The offense is putting up big numbers, while the defense has been stingy, to say the least. The only real bump in the road was a game opening turnover against Caravel Academy, which was circumvented with ease. It has been a fun start for Saint Mark's and their fans, even if it has lacked some in the drama and excitement that comes with tight games against tough competition. That could all change starting Friday night. With six of their next seven opponents currently ranked, things could get interesting, fast. The Spartans next opponent, Archmere Academy, won't be the first ranked team they have faced this season, though they might be the first to live up to the billing. The series with the Auks is as old as any Saint Mark's has been involved in. The schools first met in 1971, which was the Spartan's first year as a varsity program. While there is always a high degree of interest when the Catholic school rivals meet, the series hasn't been overly competitive. Of the seventeen games played, twelve times the margin of victory for the winner reached double digits. With the teams being in different divisions until recently, this wouldn't be that unusual. However, during this period, the series is tied at seven wins apiece. The culprit for this oddity, is the knack these programs have for meeting when one is at the top of their game, while the other is struggling. The series was renewed after a twenty year layoff, with the Spartans move to Division II in 2015. To date, it has failed to produce the classic battles one would expect with the teams finally being on equal footing. That trend won't last forever. With both teams ranked and off to a good start, this year's meeting could be one of the most competitive the series has seen in a long time. After a season opening loss to Dover, Archmere has looked much like the Spartans, in dispatching Division II foes Conrad and Tatnall. After giving up 42 points to the Senators, the defense has pitched two straight shutouts. Their offense has rolled up yardage, while scoring 98 points, and features multiple weapons in both the run and passing game. Quarterback Devin Houston leads the team in rushing and is a capable passer. Sharing the carries equally with Houston are backs Darren Direnzo and Cole Bauer. Direnzo, fellow back Evan Hernick, and receiver Tom Carney are top targets when they pass. Which is infrequent if they are finding success on the ground. The defense which hasn't given up a point in nine straight quarters is led by Mitch Moyer (DL), Direnzo (LB), and freshman lineman Brett Kwoka. Against Dover their lines struggled some, but were dominant against their Division II opponents. Their special teams have been solid with kicker Matt Specht being perfect on the year with extra points. On paper, the teams mirror each other in many ways. Individual match ups, and line play will go a long way in determining the outcome. The Auks are likely itching for a little more respect, and higher ranking, considering their only loss was to a potential Division I title contender. For Saint Mark's it is an opportunity to test themselves against a quality opponent. And though the Spartans have yet to be challenged, you get the feeling they are both ready and eager for one. Archmere could indeed be the first real battle that Saint Mark's faces on a road that looks to offer many. For the Spartans and their fans its time to buckle up, the real fun is just beginning. The Spartan's game against Archmere was was voted as the game of the week for CBS Philly's Friday Football Frenzy show. The weekly show offers highlights from local are high school football contests, with the game of the week receiving extra coverage. The CBS crew will be on campus throughout the day, filming for the segment which will be shown at 11:30 PM Friday night. It is an honor for both schools and should add to what looks to be an exciting night. The Spartans long drive to Dagsboro, quickly turned into a leisurely cruise on a late summer night. For the second week in a row Saint Mark's found themselves with a commanding lead, long before the halftime lines had started forming at the concession stand. For Indian River, a proud program with a storied history, it was a disappointing turn of events. After finishing the 2017 season at 1 - 9, they had hoped to have turned the corner. And with seven games to play, there is ample time for improvement, though it likely doesn't feel that way for the hometown faithful. For the Spartans, the 55 - 14 win afforded them another opportunity to work on their depth and build momentum. Both of which could prove invaluable when Saint Mark's goes up against tougher opponents down the road. In each of the Spartan's games so far, players have had the opportunity to step up and show they are capable if called upon. This week it was Junior Wayne Shannon. Without the services of kicker Eric Ludman, the lineman calmly nailed seven out of eight extra point attempts. The guard and defensive end had some prior kicking experience while on the JV team. However, Wayne's skills were honed on the soccer pitch at the Immaculate Conception School. Whether it's Shannon's kicking exploits, Christian Colmery's clutch catch against Newark, or Freshman Jeremiah Moore in the backfield, the Spartans are getting stronger with every passing week. Though not in attendance, it doesn't take much imagination to know how things played out. The Spartans arrived in Dagsboro in a business frame of mind, and found themselves up against an undermanned Indian River squad. Saint Mark's struck early and often, overpowering their opponent. The Spartans took a 7 - 0 lead 4:27 into the game when Jelani Bryant connected with Blaec Sanders on a 56 yard pass. Bryant would throw his second touchdown pass of the game late in the first quarter. This time teaming up with Victor Marcelo for 32 yards. Sandwiched between the aerial assault were scoring runs by Carter Benham (35 yards) and Jeremiah Moore (10 yards). Saint Mark's fast start overwhelmed the Indians and left them trailing 28 - 0 before the first quarter had even expired. While the running clock wouldn't kick in until the beginning of the second half, the Spartans essentially started the second quarter in that mode. With some of their starters getting a breather, Saint Mark's continued to roll. They would score four more times, all on runs, pushing their lead to 55 - 0 entering intermission. Jadin Elliot (6 yards), Jeremiah Moore (18 yards), and A.J. Poppiti (1 , and 5 yards) would round out the scoring. The defense would stifle Indian River, whose scores would come long after the contest had evolved into a practice session. While not exactly challenging for the Spartans, they stayed focused on the job at hand and improved to 3 - 0. They will move on to face what looks to be a very good Archmere team next Friday at home. Scoring Summary:
SM - Sanders 56 yard pass from Bryant (Shannon kick) SM - Benham 35 yard run (Shannon kick) SM - J. Moore 10 yard run (Shannon kick) SM - Marcelo 32 yard pass from Bryant (Shannon kick) SM - Elliot 6 yard run (Shannon kick) SM - J. Moore 18 yard run (Shannon kick) SM - Poppiti 1 yard run (Shannon kick) SM - Poppiti 5 yard run (kick failed) IR - 10 yard run (kick) IR - 4 yard run (kick) Box Score: (Photo credits: From the left - #1 courtesy of Dana Shannon, #2 - #4, and the sunset picture courtesy of an anonymous contributor) Note: If you have any photos from this contest you would like added to the gallery feel free to send them to us. You can either tag them @OnTheHill_SMH on Twitter or send them by email to [email protected]. Please include how and if you would like them credited. Who: Indian River High School 1 - 1 (Home 0 - 0, Away 1 - 1) Media Rank: TNJ: #NR, WDEL: #NR National Rank: #10,700 State Rank: # 29 ** Conference: Henlopen South, Conference Record: 0 - 0 When: Friday, September 21st, 7:00 PM Where: Indian River High School - Directions Series: Saint Mark's leads the series 1 - 0 Last Played: 2017, Saint Mark's won 51 - 13 Weather: Game time temps: High of 73, low of 71 with a 5% chance of precipitation, Winds 9mph. Media Coverage: N/A Coach: Phil Townsend Schedule: Link Roster: Link ** CalPreps rankings. Saint Mark's will make their only true (regular season) road trip of the year Friday night, when they travel to Dagsboro, Delaware, to take on Indian River High School. While only about a two hour drive, it is still considerably longer than any bus ride the Spartans will take this season. The longer game day can sometimes be problematic for the visiting team. The change from their normal routine and extra wear from the travel can come into play. It is not uncommon for a team in this situation to be a little sluggish and get off to a slow start. This was the case in 2009 when Saint Mark's visited the Sussex Central Golden Knights. After being given the wrong directions, the Spartans arrived shortly before the scheduled kickoff. Without a proper warm up and weary from the trip, they fell behind 21 - 0. Eventually, they would get up to speed, and go on to outplay their opponent. However they weren't able to overcome the early deficit. Sometimes being the road team can have its benefits. The 'us against the world' mentality, especially taken against small town opponents with their rabid hometown support, can be polarizing. It is often easier for the team to focus without the distractions that come with familiar surroundings. Whether playing at home or away, things happen and you can encounter speed bumps, they just tend to be higher the further you have to travel. In games like this, the mindset of the visiting team, is only secondary in achieving success, to the quality of the opponent they are facing. For Saint Mark's, one aspect of this equation is favorable, though the other could be tricky. With only two weeks played in the season, it is difficult to accurately gauge the quality of any team. And with the ever decreasing coverage of high school sports by the local print media, it is even more complicated. From what information that is available, Indian River would appear to be a favorable match up for the Spartans. Their youth (only eight seniors) and injuries helped contribute to a 1 - 9 season last year. Coach Philip Townsend expects better results this season with the experience the team returns, and an off season focus on committing to the program. They opened 2018 with an exciting 16 - 12 win over Glasgow, which was followed with a lopsided 42 - 13 loss to Polytech. While not prolific, their offense has scored in every game, averaging 14.5 points. The defense was solid in their opener, but got torched by the Panthers, giving up 479 yards, with 353 coming through the air. The loss of talented skill players in QB Jalen Snead and RB Kevin Custis to transfer is likely contributing to the Indians output in the early going. Both were experienced players and key members of the offense. Ian Shaner replaces Snead at quarterback, though Tyler Bowen could see the field as well. WR Jason Killen is a threat in Indian River's passing game. Their depth in the backfield, with five capable runners could be the strength of their team. RB Jacob Anderson and FB Reshawn Turner lead the group. Without film or stats to go on it looks as though the Indians have some size on their lines and athletes to help out on both sides of the ball. However, the do appear to be a team that is still in the process of putting it all together. Friday night's game is Indian River's home opener. That can be good or bad for a young team trying to find their way. It will certainly add a little extra electricity to the atmosphere, for what should already be a charged up home crowd. If it sounds familiar to the situation Caravel Academy walked into last week, it is, but that is where the comparison ends. For the Spartans, this game is all about moving on. Leaving an emotional win behind, and moving on to the next opponent. This is about getting on the bus with the right mindset and taking care of business. Indian River will be as fired up, as Saint Mark's was last week, to avenge their 51 - 13 loss at The Graveyard. However the Buccaneers are not as good as last season's group, while this year's Spartans are better. Saint Mark's has a good team, they are strong in all three phases of the game, and ooze with confidence. The reality though, is that they have probably not faced a playoff caliber team to date. None of the teams they have met in either the preseason or regular (at this point) look capable of having a winning season nevertheless reaching the playoffs. It is quite possible that almost all of their future opponents (including Indian River) will present a stiffer challenge. The win over Caravel propelled Saint Mark's into the top teams discussion, and deservedly so. The way they will remain there is to work hard, stay focused, an approach every game knowing they have to play better than they did in their last. If the Spartans arrive in Dagsboro with the right mindset, they should return at 3 - 0 and ready to move on to the next challenge. Who: Caravel Academy 0 - 1 (Home 0 - 0, Away 0 - 1) Media Rank: TNJ: #10, WDEL: #6 National Rank: # 5866 State Rank: #14 ** Conference: Non-conference, Conference Record: N/A When: Friday, September 14th, 7:00 PM Where: Spartan Stadium, Saint Mark's High School - Directions Series: Saint Mark's leads the series 3 - 2 Last Played: 2017, Caravel Academy won 40 - 7 Weather: Game time temps: high of 74, low of 71 with a 10 -15 % chance of precipitation. Media Coverage: N/A Coach: John Reed Schedule: Link Roster: Link ** CalPreps rankings. While taking in the contest between the Buccaneers and Spartans last year, one of my brothers (whose son attends Caravel) asked me if Saint Mark's knew that the school in Bear views them as one of their main rivals. He went on to explain that dates against the Spartans were circled and highly anticipated by the school and community long before the start of the season. I gave him a simple reply, though I knew the answer was more complicated. It is difficult to apply the term rivalry to a series that has only seen five games between the teams, and is less than a decade old. There is a rivalry between the schools, however much of that comes from baseball, with both teams being perennial contenders. And with both being private schools there is always a little extra intensity whenever they meet, no matter the sport. Much like the series with Delaware Military Academy, the seeds for a rivalry have been planted, though only time will determine what grows. It is easy to understand why Caravel Academy would push to have Saint Mark's assume the role of main rival. When it comes to private schools in Delaware, Caravel is on an island by themselves. The other privates are all Catholic schools or members of the Independent Conference. Without the inherent rivalries that come with membership to those groups, the Buccaneers are left to build what they can on their own. They had developed a good rivalry throughout the years with Hodgson Vo-Tech. However, that came to an end (or at least took a hiatus) with the Silver Eagles moving up to Division I. Many in the Buccaneer community had hoped they could continue the 'Backyard Brawl' with the school, that at the time was considered their main rival, but it wasn't to be. In the market for a replacement, Saint Mark's would seem to be a natural fit. But for the Spartans, it's not that simple. Having spent almost the entirety of their near five decade existence as a member of Division I, Saint Mark's is in a transition phase. As a Catholic school, the Spartans have established rivalries with Salesianum, St. Elizabeth, and Archmere. And while the intensity level in these series might change, with Saint Mark's move to Division II, their status as rivals will always remain. The transition phase I speak of is both in developing new rivalries with smaller school opponents, and creating enthusiasm in the Spartan community for them. Something that will only come about with time and the history that unfolds during it. This is where Caravel Academy comes in. While the teams have played five games to date, only the last three have been on equal footing. The series started in 2009 while Saint Mark's was still a member of Division I. The game was built up as a marquee match between highly ranked inter-divisional teams. The contest failed to live up to the hype with the Spartans winning 48 - 14. Though the first proverbial log was thrown on the rivalry fire when a News Journal reporter picked the Buccaneers to win despite their identical records, and Saint Mark's having fared better against the teams only common opponent. The following year, in the second game of the team's home and home arrangement, a struggling Caravel squad played tough, trailing by only two points at the half, before falling 30 - 7 to the eventual Division I state champions. The series looked to have ended but was renewed in 2015 with the Spartans change in divisions. The teams have met every season since then with only the 2016 contest being competitive; a 7 - 0 defensive battle won by Caravel. In 2015 the Buccaneers got off to a slow start falling behind by four scores early in a 28 - 14 loss. Last season's 40 - 7 win was Caravel's biggest in the series so far, and easily their opponents most frustrating loss. Four Spartan turnovers, deep in their own end led to a 27 - 0 hole, which they were unable to overcome. Despite the fact that the contests between the schools have mostly failed to live up to the hype, and have lacked in drama, their games are still met with enthusiasm. With the exception of 2010, every meeting between the programs has been an important contest for both teams. A loss doesn't end the season for either, however with the tough schedules that both play, it does make things more difficult. Not to mention for the winner comes momentum and a boost in confidence. Both teams return most of their players from last year, and enter the season with high expectations. Caravel lost some key members from last year's 7 - 3 team, in Mandela Montgomery (RB/DB), Jacob Laznik (RB/LB), Josiah Larkins (RB/DB), and Joseph Silan (LB/DE). However they return most of their line with skilled athletes in Jakob Hoffman (QB), Ethan DeRegis (RB/LB), and transfer Cole Balint (TE/DE) operating behind them. The Buccaneers like to run the ball, hoping to catch the opposing defense off guard with an occasional pass. Balint will be especially dangerous in these situations. Silan was a leader and a key loss on defense, but under John Reed Caravel always fields a determined and stingy unit. Points won't come easy for the Spartans. They will have to take advantage of any opportunities presented to them. On the defensive side of the ball, Saint Mark's will have to play with patience and discipline. If the Buccaneers can't wear you down they will try to wait you out, looking for a missed assignment or blown coverage to break a big play. With both teams trying to establish the run, the battle in the trenches will be key. However this game will likely come down to whoever plays with more patience and makes fewer mistakes. Coming off a 26 - 9 opening loss to Edmonson-Westside High School (MD), Caravel should bring a high level of urgency to the contest. The Spartans will need to match that, though I don't expect that to be a problem. For Saint Mark's, games against the Buccaneers are important. They are met with the same enthusiasm and excitement as contests against any top opponent. At this point in the series it is too early to call it a rivalry, but things are heating up, and that is how many come to be. Who: Newark Yellow Jackets 0 - 0 (Home 0 - 0, Away 0 - 0) Media Rank: TNJ: NR, WDEL: NR National Rank: # 11814 State Rank: #36 ** Conference: Blue Hen Flight A, Conference Record: 0 - 0 When: Friday, September 7th, 7:00 PM Where: Hoffman Stadium, Newark High School - Directions Series: Newark leads the series 23 -12 Last Played: 2017, Saint Mark's won 27 - 6 Weather: Game time temps: high of 77, low of 75 with a 40 to 50% chance of thunderstorms. Media Coverage: N/A Coach: Barry Zehnder Schedule: Link Roster: Link (Not available as of posting) ** CalPreps rankings. Saint Mark's football team will kick off their 48th season as a varsity program Friday night against neighborhood rival Newark High School. Much has changed at both schools since the teams began squaring off in 1974, however the roots of the rivalry remain the same. Like many of the previous thirty-five contests, this one has historical significance. Joe Wright (class of 2004) will be making his debut as the Spartan head coach, becoming the first graduate in the program's history to hold the title. While a big moment for those in green and gold, it offers only added incentive for the Yellow Jackets to rain on Saint Mark's parade. Something Newark has both enjoyed and excelled at throughout the course of the series. For Joe Wright and many members of his staff this needs no explanation. For those unfamiliar with this aspect of the series, you can read about it in a piece we wrote for the 2015 meeting (Time To Turn the Lights On). This contest, like most season openers is difficult to gauge. Going by media speculation and rankings, the Spartans would appear to have the edge on paper. However one should keep in mind, Newark is a Division I program with a penchant for getting the better of their crosstown rival. With a combined record of 20 - 40 since making their last postseason appearance in 2011, the once mighty Yellow Jackets have indeed fallen. However, most of those contests were played against larger, Division I competition. The program still draws the numbers, and with the cyclical nature of high school sports, at times will possess the talent to compete with any Division II team. Entering his third season after taking over for Butch Simpson, Newark Head Coach Barry Zehnder is optimistic about his team's prospects. Many of the players from a young team that struggled through a 2 - 8 season are back, and ready to take the next step. That group includes quarterback Mele Stallings , running back Tyran Rice, and wide receiver Jermaine Earl at the skill positions. Their lines are anchored by two way standout Donald Burton and Alex Aviles. Linebackers James Jordan and Dayton Swanhart provide leadership on defense. And kicker Zach Coffing is a weapon on special teams, giving the Jackets an opportunity to put points on the board anytime they cross the fifty. With a well rounded and experienced group returning, it is easy to understand the enthusiasm around The Hive. It is a sentiment shared on the campus of their rivals. Optimism was already high at Saint Mark's, returning all but six players from a team that just missed the playoff field. That escalated with the addition of some talented transfers. Between the enthusiasm that Joe Wright and his staff have infused into the program and their success during preseason, the team's future looks bright. That however could also cause the Spartans to stumble out of the starting gate. With a big game against Caravel Academy the following week, it would be easy to get caught looking ahead. On paper Saint Mark's looks to be the better team. But it would be wise for the Spartans to forget the future and trust those who are with them from the program's past. If you don't pack a healthy dose of respect for Newark when you make the trip to Bob Hoffman Stadium, they will sting you. Because that is what Yellow Jackets do. Faced with taking on a larger Division I team on a sweltering late August evening, the Spartans rose to the task. You can see a gallery from their scrimmage against Concord High School here - Link |
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