Who: Caravel Academy 0 - 1 (Home 0 - 0, Away 0 - 1)
Media Rank: TNJ: #10, WDEL: #6
National Rank: # 5866 State Rank: #14 **
Conference: Non-conference, Conference Record: N/A
When: Friday, September 14th, 7:00 PM
Where: Spartan Stadium, Saint Mark's High School - Directions
Series: Saint Mark's leads the series 3 - 2
Last Played: 2017, Caravel Academy won 40 - 7
Weather: Game time temps: high of 74, low of 71 with a 10 -15 % chance of precipitation.
Media Coverage: N/A
Coach: John Reed
Schedule: Link
Roster: Link
** CalPreps rankings.
Media Rank: TNJ: #10, WDEL: #6
National Rank: # 5866 State Rank: #14 **
Conference: Non-conference, Conference Record: N/A
When: Friday, September 14th, 7:00 PM
Where: Spartan Stadium, Saint Mark's High School - Directions
Series: Saint Mark's leads the series 3 - 2
Last Played: 2017, Caravel Academy won 40 - 7
Weather: Game time temps: high of 74, low of 71 with a 10 -15 % chance of precipitation.
Media Coverage: N/A
Coach: John Reed
Schedule: Link
Roster: Link
** CalPreps rankings.
While taking in the contest between the Buccaneers and Spartans last year, one of my brothers (whose son attends Caravel) asked me if Saint Mark's knew that the school in Bear views them as one of their main rivals. He went on to explain that dates against the Spartans were circled and highly anticipated by the school and community long before the start of the season. I gave him a simple reply, though I knew the answer was more complicated. It is difficult to apply the term rivalry to a series that has only seen five games between the teams, and is less than a decade old. There is a rivalry between the schools, however much of that comes from baseball, with both teams being perennial contenders. And with both being private schools there is always a little extra intensity whenever they meet, no matter the sport. Much like the series with Delaware Military Academy, the seeds for a rivalry have been planted, though only time will determine what grows. It is easy to understand why Caravel Academy would push to have Saint Mark's assume the role of main rival. When it comes to private schools in Delaware, Caravel is on an island by themselves. The other privates are all Catholic schools or members of the Independent Conference. Without the inherent rivalries that come with membership to those groups, the Buccaneers are left to build what they can on their own. They had developed a good rivalry throughout the years with Hodgson Vo-Tech. However, that came to an end (or at least took a hiatus) with the Silver Eagles moving up to Division I. Many in the Buccaneer community had hoped they could continue the 'Backyard Brawl' with the school, that at the time was considered their main rival, but it wasn't to be. In the market for a replacement, Saint Mark's would seem to be a natural fit. But for the Spartans, it's not that simple.
Having spent almost the entirety of their near five decade existence as a member of Division I, Saint Mark's is in a transition phase. As a Catholic school, the Spartans have established rivalries with Salesianum,
St. Elizabeth, and Archmere. And while the intensity level in these series might change, with Saint Mark's move to Division II, their status as rivals will always remain. The transition phase I speak of is both in developing new rivalries with smaller school opponents, and creating enthusiasm in the Spartan community for them. Something that will only come about with time and the history that unfolds during it. This is where Caravel Academy comes in. While the teams have played five games to date, only the last three have been on equal footing. The series started in 2009 while Saint Mark's was still a member of Division I. The game was built up as a marquee match between highly ranked inter-divisional teams. The contest failed to live up to the hype with the Spartans winning 48 - 14. Though the first proverbial log was thrown on the rivalry fire when a News Journal reporter picked the Buccaneers to win despite their identical records, and Saint Mark's having fared better against the teams only common opponent. The following year, in the second game of the team's home and home arrangement, a struggling Caravel squad played tough, trailing by only two points at the half, before falling 30 - 7 to the eventual Division I state champions. The series looked to have ended but was renewed in 2015 with the Spartans change in divisions. The teams have met every season since then with only the 2016 contest being competitive; a 7 - 0 defensive battle won by Caravel. In 2015 the Buccaneers got off to a slow start falling behind by four scores early in a 28 - 14 loss. Last season's 40 - 7 win was Caravel's biggest in the series so far, and easily their opponents most frustrating loss. Four Spartan turnovers, deep in their own end led to a 27 - 0 hole, which they were unable to overcome. Despite the fact that the contests between the schools have mostly failed to live up to the hype, and have lacked in drama, their games are still met with enthusiasm.
St. Elizabeth, and Archmere. And while the intensity level in these series might change, with Saint Mark's move to Division II, their status as rivals will always remain. The transition phase I speak of is both in developing new rivalries with smaller school opponents, and creating enthusiasm in the Spartan community for them. Something that will only come about with time and the history that unfolds during it. This is where Caravel Academy comes in. While the teams have played five games to date, only the last three have been on equal footing. The series started in 2009 while Saint Mark's was still a member of Division I. The game was built up as a marquee match between highly ranked inter-divisional teams. The contest failed to live up to the hype with the Spartans winning 48 - 14. Though the first proverbial log was thrown on the rivalry fire when a News Journal reporter picked the Buccaneers to win despite their identical records, and Saint Mark's having fared better against the teams only common opponent. The following year, in the second game of the team's home and home arrangement, a struggling Caravel squad played tough, trailing by only two points at the half, before falling 30 - 7 to the eventual Division I state champions. The series looked to have ended but was renewed in 2015 with the Spartans change in divisions. The teams have met every season since then with only the 2016 contest being competitive; a 7 - 0 defensive battle won by Caravel. In 2015 the Buccaneers got off to a slow start falling behind by four scores early in a 28 - 14 loss. Last season's 40 - 7 win was Caravel's biggest in the series so far, and easily their opponents most frustrating loss. Four Spartan turnovers, deep in their own end led to a 27 - 0 hole, which they were unable to overcome. Despite the fact that the contests between the schools have mostly failed to live up to the hype, and have lacked in drama, their games are still met with enthusiasm.
With the exception of 2010, every meeting between the programs has been an important contest for both teams. A loss doesn't end the season for either, however with the tough schedules that both play, it does make things more difficult. Not to mention for the winner comes momentum and a boost in confidence. Both teams return most of their players from last year, and enter the season with high expectations. Caravel lost some key members from last year's 7 - 3 team, in Mandela Montgomery (RB/DB), Jacob Laznik (RB/LB), Josiah Larkins (RB/DB), and Joseph Silan (LB/DE). However they return most of their line with skilled athletes in Jakob Hoffman (QB), Ethan DeRegis (RB/LB), and transfer Cole Balint (TE/DE) operating behind them. The Buccaneers like to run the ball, hoping to catch the opposing defense off guard with an occasional pass. Balint will be especially dangerous in these situations. Silan was a leader and a key loss on defense, but under John Reed Caravel always fields a determined and stingy unit. Points won't come easy for the Spartans. They will have to take advantage of any opportunities presented to them. On the defensive side of the ball, Saint Mark's will have to play with patience and discipline. If the Buccaneers can't wear you down they will try to wait you out, looking for a missed assignment or blown coverage to break a big play. With both teams trying to establish the run, the battle in the trenches will be key. However this game will likely come down to whoever plays with more patience and makes fewer mistakes. Coming off a 26 - 9 opening loss to Edmonson-Westside High School (MD), Caravel should bring a high level of urgency to the contest. The Spartans will need to match that, though I don't expect that to be a problem. For Saint Mark's, games against the Buccaneers are important. They are met with the same enthusiasm and excitement as contests against any top opponent. At this point in the series it is too early to call it a rivalry, but things are heating up, and that is how many come to be.