The Spartans will play their fifth and final regular season away game when they travel to Pennsylvania to take on Kennett High School Friday night. In their previous four road games, Saint Mark's opponent was favored to prevail by many in the media. For the most part they have proved the pigskin prognosticators wrong, forging a 2 - 2 record in those contests. Though they did lose two of those games, the Spartans led late in both, and were only a couple of plays from being unbeaten on the road. Saint Mark's has played well away from the cozy confines of The Graveyard, and will need to continue doing so if they want to leave the Keystone state with a win. The contest will mark the first out of state excursion for the program since the 2014 season, when Saint Mark's traveled to Maryland to take on Archbishop Spalding. Since the move to Division II, traversing state lines for games hasn't been needed, with no shortage of willing Delaware opponents.
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For the second straight year the Spartans find themselves sitting at 4 - 2, and facing an uphill climb for the remainder of their season. With eventual Division II State Champion Woodbridge, Division I State Runner-Up Salesianum, and State Semifinalist Delaware Military Academy on the back end of the 2018 slate, Saint Mark's saw a once promising season fade with a 1 - 3 finish. Scheduling is a tricky business. You can pick your opponent with a relative gauge on their strength, however that offers no guarantee on the quality of team you end up squaring off against. The Spartans opponent in two weeks, Kennett High School, is a perfect example of this. The Blue Demons had not enjoyed a winning season since 2012, averaging less than three wins per year. The Pennsylvania squad that Saint Mark's will take on is currently 7 - 1, and enjoying what some are calling an historic season. Along with Kennett, the Spartans finish up with Delaware Military Academy, Glasgow, and Salesianum. Combined, the teams have forged an 18 - 8 record, that becomes more daunting when taking into account the Dragons are currently 2 - 4. Like the Blue Demons, Saint Mark's upcoming foe, only has one blemish on their record thus far. After two tough road games, the Spartans return home to take on Newark High School Friday night. The familiar venue should serve as an elixir for the weary souls, whose season took a turn for the worse since they last played on the sacred grounds. Even though Spartan Stadium hasn't afforded Saint Mark's a huge home field advantage, it has offered them an edge throughout the years. In the 38 night games played at The Graveyard since 2011, the Spartans have forged a 24 - 14 record. And while not hostile or intimidating for opponents, the .632 winning percentage confirms there is at least a little magic in the air for those in Green & Gold. The Yellow Jackets are no strangers when it comes to moonlight battles in The Graveyard. They served as the Spartans opponent for the venue's first game under the lights on October 28th, 2011. Newark came from behind to win that game 39 - 27, and holds a 2 -1 record at the stadium since then. However, in the 37th meeting between the teams, Saint Mark's will be looking for their fourth straight win over their crosstown rivals. 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. Last season, Saint Mark's and Archmere Academy went toe to toe in a gridiron classic, that was billed as a match between possible playoff contenders. The teams, both unbeaten in divisional play and ranked, put on a performance that justified their pregame hype. For the Auks, the 34 -28 overtime win helped propel them to a 9 -1 regular season finish, and their first postseason appearance since 2014. For Saint Mark's, the loss stung, and seemed to hang with them throughout the remainder of the season. Fast forward a year to the day, and the teams will meet again under almost identical circumstances. Both squads are once again unbeaten and ranked. And just as it was last season, the Saturday matinee showdown is being viewed by some in the media as a litmus test for playoff contention. Indeed, there is a feeling of familiarity surrounding the contest. But when it comes to the teams that will face off for the 19th meeting between the catholic schools, much is different from those that clashed last year. Just as it was last season, Saint Mark's football team could find themselves in a week four showdown between unbeaten and top ranked teams. In that meeting, Archmere Academy won an overtime thriller, that's likely still fresh in the minds of many in the Spartan community. And with both teams facing favorable match ups this weekend, the anticipation for the rematch will start before the final whistles on week three have blown. For the coaches, the situation adds a different element to the game week preparation. Not only do they have to install a game plan, they have to make sure their squad stays focused on the job at hand. It is a situation that every coach and staff finds themselves in at one point or another.
I think every coach is worried about kids looking at the schedule and circling games on the calendar. We preach to the kids all the time to take things one week at a time. - Joe Wright When asked how he and his staff are approaching this week's opponent, Joe Wright replied: "I think every coach is worried about kids looking at the schedule and circling games on the calendar. We preach to the kids all the time to take things one week at a time. Our staff is constantly communicating to the players that we only worry about ourselves and what we can control. We need to get better each day, each week if we want to be playing late into November. This week we are working on getting ourselves better to beat Charter. That is the number one priority." The Spartans will enter Friday night's contest as considerable favorites, though no opponent should be taken lightly. "Two tough catholic conference teams that are going to play 4 quarters of hard fought football. It will be a battle and hopefully we come out of it 2-0, but we need to play our game in order to be victorious.” After passing last week's challenge with flying colors, the Spartan football team faces their next test against St. Elizabeth, Saturday night at Caravel Academy. It's a home game for the Vikings, however with Baynard Stadium being renovated, all of their contests this season will be played on the road. Both teams bring a 1 - 0 record into the match, with dominating season opening victories. The fashion in which they won, is similar as well. Both squads used a punishing running game, rarely going to the air. The strategy, besides being successful, allowed their younger and inexperienced players to ease into their positions, and build cohesion on their lines. The 35th meeting between the schools comes earlier in the season (than many in the past), though the stakes are no less as high. Besides bragging rights, the victor gets a leg up on an opponent battling for a postseason at-large bid. With three catholic schools in Division II facing off against each other, the team that comes out on top, increases their odds of securing that bid. For Saint Mark's and St. Elizabeth this is round one of a series of contests, that will likely determine their playoff fate. While Saint Mark's has won three straight in the series, and six out of the last seven, Coach Wright and his players are not taking their opponent lightly. When asked about the team's upcoming foe, Joe Wright replied: “St. E's is a team that is going to play hard and physical. They always have been and will because that is who they are. Their offense has some misdirection with a lot of motions and pulling lineman, so we have to read our keys and play sound football on that side of the ball. They have a really good running back that can hurt you in many ways. He was able to run wild last week for them as they put up 41 points, so we must contain him and keep the score down if we want to have a chance to win. Defensively, they have some big bodies up front with a really good DE and DT. Our line has to be able to stop penetration to allow us to run our offense. This is going to be a great test for us to see where we stand in D2. Two tough catholic conference teams that are going to play 4 quarters of hard fought football. It will be a battle and hopefully we come out of it 2-0, but we need to play our game in order to be victorious.” Though St. Elizabeth's has suffered some down years since 2013, the program has seen a resurgence as of late.
Coming off a 5 - 5 season, the Vikings are looking to take the next step in Marvin Dooley's second year at the helm. Like the Spartans, St. Elizabeth is breaking in new players at key skill positions. The Vikings feature a run heavy offense, a standard for Marvin Dooley teams at past schools. Transfer RB Thomas Mosley Jr. (#6) had a big night against Christiana, running behind a veteran line. While Mosley Jr. will get the bulk of the carries, QB C.J. Small (#9) will mix it up with a group of backs including Sam Janicki (#22). Small didn't pass much in their opener, but he was a perfect 4 for 4 when he did. TE Luke Schiavoni (#89), wasn't on the receiving end of any of Small's passes, but will likely emerge as his top target as the season progresses. Seniors Schiavoni and Janicki provide leadership on a young defensive unit. With a lopsided win in their opener, St. Elizabeth wasn't forced to show their hand. It is likely they will have a few tricks up their sleeve for the Spartans.
While it is difficult to gauge the teams, this early in the season, the contest is shaping up to be a classic, much like the Spartan's game against Archmere Academy last year. Whether it lives up to its billing only time will tell, but it's great to see the catholic rivals go at it, under the bright lights of a marquee match up once again!
Saturday's game is also the 4th annual installment of the Muscle Movement Foundation's 'Sack Muscle Disease' game. Saint Mark's has prevailed in the previous three, which should only add a little fire in the belly of the Viking's, eager to take their turn with the trophy. If you would like to know more about the MMF, which was founded by Saint Mark's Director of Admissions Rob DeMasi (class of 2009), or are interested in joining their fight, please visit their site (link on logo below). If Jeremiah Moore was nervous, getting his first varsity start, It didn't show. When the 5'9", 182 pound running back rumbled around the right end for the game's first score, he looked every bit the poised veteran. His 12 yard strike sparked a big first half by Saint Mark's, that the Red Wolves were never able to fully recover from. The sophomore from Maryland would go on to rush for 149 yards, and three touchdowns. Though the young man, who played his youth ball with the Cherry Hill Cougars, did admit to some pregame jitters, his motivation was drawn from something personal. When asked if he expected to have a big night, Jeremiah replied: "No, but I was hoping to have a good game. A year ago I lost my Grandmother and I was playing this game in her honor." It would have been difficult enough containing Crystal Moore's inspired grandson, but as a team, the Spartans were more than Conrad could handle.
The Red Wolves started strong and played hard throughout the contest, but from the outset things didn't go their way. A fumble on their opening drive, recovered by Ben Anderson, set up Jeremiah Moore's first score to put Saint Mark's up 7 - 0, 2:52 into the game. After the defense held Conrad on the following drive the Spartans would double their lead, with Moore going 51 yards to pay dirt. The game would settle down, with both offenses finding some success, until Saint Mark's took command of the contest 7:36 into the second quarter. Blaec Sanders, who had contributed on both the Spartan's earlier drives, with 27 and 19 yard receptions, hauled in a 15 yard Jack LaFrankie pass and danced his way to the end zone. LaFrankie would push the lead to 28 - 0 with 22 seconds left in the half. After a Christian Colmery interception at midfield, LaFrankie connected with Patrick Palm on 4th down to keep the drive alive, and finished it himself, with a 1 yard plunge. Feeling the game slip away, the Red Wolves got aggressive and were rewarded, with Stephen Allen hitting Ja' Teir Berkley-Osborne with a 57 yard strike, three seconds before intermission.
"The thing that we saw from Conrad was their players play hard. We knew that they were going to come at us for 4 quarters." - Joe Wright The Spartans seemed to draw more inspiration than the Red Wolves from Conrad's late score. When play resumed Saint Mark's took over the contest, running the ball, and chewing up clock. Jeremiah Moore would round out the scoring with his third touchdown of the night, on a 5 yard run. While Moore got the spotlight, the victory was a total team effort. Zion Glover helped fuel the ground game with 102 yards. Jack LaFrankie, making his debut, went 8 of 13 for 138 yards and a touchdown, Blaec Sanders caught 5 of those passes for 85 yards and a score. The line played well, paving the way to 281 yards on the ground. Patrick Palm and Christain Colmery both made key plays on both sides of the ball. The defense, led by Jack Palmer, Wayne Shannon, and Nick Muzzi, kept the Red Wolves bottled up, with the exception of their lone score. Special teams were solid, with kicker Brandon Keen making four of five extra point attempts in his first start. More telling than their stats though, was the unity the team played with, and support they afforded each other. Leading up to the opener Joe Wright had Don Burawski, Saint Mark's first coach, stop by practice and speak to the team on what it means to be part of the school, the program, and the football family. Burawski's wisdom was reflected in Captain Patrick Palm's response when asked if he was pleased with how the group is coming together, and the chemistry the team is forming. “I could not be happier with how the team is coming together this year. The chemistry with the upperclassmen has been there since we were in our underclassmen years, and this year’s underclassmen have worked hard to quickly become a part of the tight-knit family that is St. Mark’s football. Everyone on the team knows that when one of us fails, we all fail, and when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. This is a team where every one of your teammates has your back, on and off the field.” With new players joining the squad, and inexperienced players stepping into bigger roles, how a group plays as a unit is as equally important as the chemistry they form.
"Everyone on the team knows that when one of us fails, we all fail, and when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. This is a team where every one of your teammates has your back, on and off the field.” — Patrick Palm When asked his concerns prior to facing the Red Wolves, and how the team responded, Coach Wright replied: “It is hard to gauge the teams based off their scrimmages. Sometimes teams do not show everything in those scrimmages and other times you can’t tell who is who because of the practice jerseys., but the thing that we saw from Conrad was their players play hard. We knew that they were going to come at us for 4 quarters. They have a really good WR that when he had an opportunity, had some big plays for them. Fortunately, we were able to keep him in check for most of the game. I think the big take away from the game was that we got better as a team compared to our last scrimmage. We played as one team and were able to cause some havoc on the defensive side and capitalize on the offensive side.” The Spartans weren't perfect, nor were they facing a daunting opponent, but for an opener, with a team still finding its way, they aced the exam. All Game Ball photos courtesy of Richard Christians. Finishing their high school careers on a winning note looked promising for Jelani Bryant and Joe Cartwright, with the Blue squad holding a 24 -7 lead with less than a minute to go in the first half of the 64th Annual D.F.R.C. All-Star Football Game. That final taste of victory though, would fade into the night, with the Gold coming from behind to take the contest 38 - 24. A disappointing outcome, but a mere afterthought compared to the reward that comes with being part of the Blue & Gold experience. For Bryant, the contest offered one final opportunity to represent Saint Mark's on the gridiron, before he takes his game to the next level at Delaware State University. Jelani could finish his summer in the same stadium as it started, with the Hornets opening the season against the Blue Hens on August 29th. Unfortunately for Cartwright, the chance to finish on the field wasn't to be. Still rehabilitating a torn ACL, he suffered in the seventh game of the season, a difficult (but wise) decision was made to forgo the actual contest. With plans to play football at Kings College next fall, Joe will continue preparations to arrive at the Wilkes-Barrie (PA) campus in top shape. While it wasn't exactly a perfect ending for the Spartan gridiron stalwarts, it was certainly a well deserved reward. Having finished their season at Delaware Stadium in late June, they leave Saint Mark's as members of a select group, Another Spartan, though unable to participate, can equally consider himself as honored. Victor Marcelo was offered a late spot on the Blue roster, but had to decline due to a previous commitment. As we have noted on our Blue & Gold All-Star game page, we feel being offered is worthy of recognition alongside those who have participated. As such, Victor has been added to the list which you can see here - Link Photo credit: All photos used in this article are courtesy of Richard Christians. Editors note: If anyone has photos of Joe or Jelani from the game that they would like to contribute, and allow us to use on the site, it would be greatly appreciated. We plan on adding a player gallery to the Blue & Gold page, in which we hope to display photos of as many participants as possible. Owner retains full copyright, and credit will be given per owners request. You can contact us here at: [email protected], or on Twitter, or by Facebook. Thank you! Seniors Jelani Bryant and Joey Cartwright have been selected to the Blue team for the 64th Annual D.F.R.C. Blue & Gold All Star Football game. It is a well deserved honor for both players who have been an integral part of the Spartan football team over the past three seasons. Bryant, a team captain, joins a long line of Spartan quarterbacks to participate, including the last six players to start at the position for the Green & Gold. For Cartwright, a two way lineman, the game offers a chance to finish his Saint Mark's career on the field, after an injury suffered against Delaware Military Academy cut his senior season short. (Photos courtesy of Richard Christians) You can see a list of past Spartan Blue & Gold participants here - Link |
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