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.
Brian McArdle, whose Seahawks are 5 - 1, has made the transition look seamless, after taking over the head coaching duties from Mike Ryan in the off-season. Under McArdle's guidance Delaware Military Academy is looking to secure the program's fifth straight postseason berth. That the Seahawks are in a position to accomplish that goal without All-State back Corahn Alleyne might surprise some, but it shouldn't. Delaware Military Academy returned ten starters from last years 7 - 4 team, including their quarterback, Joe Deal, and an experienced line led by Chris Boc. Running back Devon Green has replaced Alleyne as the focal point of the Seahawk offense. Averaging over 200 yards a game with 16 touchdowns on the season, the Sophomore has more than stepped up to fill the void left by his predecessor. Deal and backup Miles Harding are capable passers, making it difficult for opposing defenses to key on their running game. Combined with solid play on defense and special teams, Delaware Military Academy's recipe for success under it's new coach looks much the same as it has in the past.
While there is a great deal of familiarity between the teams and what's at stake, this year's edition adds something new to the series. With the construction of Fusco Memorial Field, the Seahawks will finally host Saint Mark's in a true home game. This should add some incentive for Delaware Military Academy, who will be looking to win their fifth straight against the Spartans. However, their opponents won't be lacking in motivation either. No current player on Saint Mark's team has ever been on the winning side in a tilt with the Seahawks. A fact that should add some fire in the belly of the Spartans, even if the teams entered the contest at 0 - 6. Motivation alone though, won't deliver a win. Delaware Military Academy looks to have a slight edge on paper, but only from a statistical standpoint. I would expect a close contest Friday night with mistakes and turnovers playing their usual role. Saint Mark's defense will need to limit the Seahawk rushing attack and force them to the air. If they can turn the game into a battle of offensive versatility, the first leg of the Spartan's season ending gauntlet could be a successful one.