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.
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.
This year's Newark squad is a bit of an enigma. Like Saint Mark's, the changing educational landscape has taken its toll on the school's enrollment numbers. After being a member of the Blue Hen Flight A conference since its inception, the Yellow Jackets found themselves in Flight B this season. While joining the Spartans in Division II will level the playing field between the rivals, it is an adjustment for those in the Newark community. It is a situation that on one hand offers hope for a rejuvenation of the program's future, yet on the other, is difficult to accept for the fan base of a onetime Division I power. And just as they did with Saint Mark's back in 2015, some in the high school football community expected the Yellow Jackets to instantly thrive in the division for smaller schools. At 2 -3 with only one actual victory, (their win over Glasgow was by forfeit) Newark lends more proof that for programs with dwindling numbers, the move is more of a process, than seamless transition.
Newark graduate Jody Russell was hired to oversee the program's reinvention in the off season. Russell, who played for Butch Simpson in the 90's, succeeds Barry Zhender, whose's squad finished 2 - 8 last year.
The Yellow Jackets, despite only having a victory over a struggling Dickinson program, have played well at times this season. They gave undefeated Lake Forest all they could handle in a 21 - 12 loss in week three. Like most, Newark's offense takes what the opponent gives them. They have found almost equal success on the ground and in the air, though not in the same game. The Yellow Jackets have play makers in QB Mele Stallings, RB Briheim Kelson, and WR Kamau Lately. They have a solid line anchored by Donald Burton. Their defense has struggled, yet held one of the division's highest scoring teams (Lake Forest) to 21 points. Newark is a difficult team to gauge. They have talent, though it hasn't often come together. If the Spartans can win the battle in the trenches, and limit Newark's big plays, their return to The Graveyard should be a successful one.
The Yellow Jackets, despite only having a victory over a struggling Dickinson program, have played well at times this season. They gave undefeated Lake Forest all they could handle in a 21 - 12 loss in week three. Like most, Newark's offense takes what the opponent gives them. They have found almost equal success on the ground and in the air, though not in the same game. The Yellow Jackets have play makers in QB Mele Stallings, RB Briheim Kelson, and WR Kamau Lately. They have a solid line anchored by Donald Burton. Their defense has struggled, yet held one of the division's highest scoring teams (Lake Forest) to 21 points. Newark is a difficult team to gauge. They have talent, though it hasn't often come together. If the Spartans can win the battle in the trenches, and limit Newark's big plays, their return to The Graveyard should be a successful one.