For the third straight year, the football teams from Saint Mark's and Archmere Academy find their season's on a collision course. When they meet Friday night for the twentieth contest in the series between the schools, there will likely be more at stake than pride. This game, as it was in the previous two, features a marquee match up between ranked teams. And like last year's contest, only one squad will leave the field with an unblemished record. For the Auk's, a win would tie the all-time series at ten. An impressive feat considering six of those wins came while the programs competed in different divisions. A win for the Spartans would snap a two game losing streak to their catholic school rivals, and give Joe Wright his first win against Archmere as a head coach. Of most importance though, is the impact the result could have on the losing team's campaign. With a shortened season and a reduced playoff field, a single defeat could derail a team's postseason hopes.
Despite losing 15 players to graduation, the Auks are 3 - 0 and looking to make their third consecutive playoff appearance. Underclassmen who played key roles in last season's success, have picked up where they left off, and are fueling this year's run. Sophmore Chris Albero (#16) has taken over at quarterback and leads the team in rushing. Michael Mallamaci (#22) and Kieran Udovich (#44) round out a potent backfield. Kevin DiGregorio (#50) anchors an experienced offensive line. Archmere runs the ball about seventy-five percent of the time, but has a skilled passer in Albero, who spreads the ball around to his backs and receivers. Averaging 37.5 points a game, the Auks currently have the third highest scoring offense in Division II.
While not as highly ranked as their offensive counterpart, Archmere's defense has been more than solid. The Auk's leading tackler last season, Kevin DiGregorio (LB), along with Mike Mallamaci (DB) and defensive end Sanjay Long (#81) provide leadership for the unit. Helping to keep their opponents to an average of 11.3 points per game, are a cast of players including Kieran (LB) and Conor Udovich (DB), Michael Van Belle (DT), Scott Lucarelli (LB), Mark Ewing (DB), Jake Hernik (DB), John Jordan (DB), and Chris Albero (DB). A jack of all trades, Albero also serves as the team's placekicker. Both squads should be facing their stiffest challenge to date, and the stakes will be high. However, nothing motivates in a rivalry more than pride. Which is why I would expect another classic battle in what's fast becoming a must see contest of each Delaware High School Football season.