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.
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.