Unless it was a team's final game of the season, there are always complications when it comes to moving on to the next opponent. Physical recovery is obviously an integral part of the process, especially when it comes to contact sports. As equally important though, is addressing the toll competition takes both mentally and emotionally. It doesn't matter whether a team is coming off a win or loss, both present their own unique challenges. However, losing creates a more difficult situation to overcome. For Saint Mark's that hurdle is higher because of how they lost, and the opponent next up on their slate. Twelve minutes from improving to 4 - 0 on the season, with a big victory over a team that had dealt them a heartbreaking setback last year, the inconceivable happened. Archmere rallied once again, this time erasing a 17 point deficit to hand the Spartans another stunning defeat.
"Our mental preparation is key this week coming off a devastating loss last week were we had some breakdowns." - Joe Wright
Coming off a tough loss, and facing a quality Division I opponent, I asked Joe Wright what would be the team's biggest challenge this week. He replied; "Our mental preparation is key this week coming off a devastating loss last week were we had some breakdowns. That is a major point of emphasis this week. Physically, we must be taking care of our bodies and preparing them for battle every Friday night. We talk about hydration and stretching and eating habits all the time. Football is a long season and we must be physically and mentally prepared each game if we want to be successful." The setback, while difficult to digest, was only the team's first, and with six games remaining, the season's success is far from being determined. However, the road won't get any smoother for Saint Mark's, at least for another week. In Appoquinimink, the Spartans could find themselves going from the proverbial frying pan into the fire.
The Jaguars are coming off a couple of close losses themselves, and will be looking to get back in the win column. After finishing 6 - 5 last year and earning the program's first trip to the Division I playoffs (they had qualified once before as a member of Division II in 2010) Appoquinimink entered this season determined to build on their success. At 2 - 2, Brian Timpson's squad is still on track to meet that goal, however a loss to a Division II opponent wouldn't help their cause. Besides being a hungry group, the Jaguars are a talented one as well. As Joe Wright points out when discussing the upcoming contest. "Appo is big and physical. They have depth and a lot of good players. Their LBs are very good and they have a very good RB. It is going to be a great atmosphere down there and we are embracing the challenge. They are a well coached team that has some very good players. We must focus on ourselves and get better each day. We have to clean up the little mistakes that we have been making and make sure that we are progressing each practice." While not currently in a position to receive one of the divisions six postseason bids, Appoquinimink has the talent that could help see them finish there.
"It is going to be a great atmosphere down there and we are embracing the challenge. They are a well coached team that has some very good players." - Joe Wright
The Jaguars have an outstanding linebacker duo in Josh Parson and E.J. Brister. The seniors lead a tough defense that is only yielding 13.8 points a game. A number which was greatly inflated by the 34 points they gave up in a loss to Salesianum. Saint Mark's offensive line will have their hands full containing DE Paul Zaloga. Putting points on the board against the Jaguars won't come easy. The Spartan offense will have to be both varied and opportunistic. While stifled against William Penn and Salesianum, their offense, averaging 22.3 points a game could present problems for Saint Mark's. Backs Jordan Henry and Mac Krauss power their attack, running behind a sizable line. Quarterback Ryan von Brandt is a capable passer if the defense stacks the box. The Jaguars are a solid Division I squad, though not unbeatable. While they have spent their existence in the shadow of Middletown High School, they share the football crazed fans that inhabit the town. In a hostile venue against a quality opponent, the Spartans face a stiff challenge. Whether they come away with a victory or not, their ability to bounce back will be determined by how they respond to the challenge that comes from within.