Who: Woodbridge Blue Raiders 5 - 2 (Home 3 - 1, Away 2- 1)
Media Rank: TNJ: #4 , WDEL: #5
National Rank: #2801* State Rank: #8*
Conference: Henlopen South, Conference Record: 4 - 0
When: Friday October 26th 5:30 PM
Where: Spartan Stadium - Link
Series: Woodbridge leads the series 1 - 0
Last Played: 2017, Woodbridge won 42 - 0
Weather: Game time temps: High of 51, low of 44. Cloudy with a
30 - 60% chance of rain. 7 - 8 mph winds.
Media Coverage: 302 Sports Streaming - Link **
Coach: Ed Manlove
Schedule: Link
Roster: Link
* CalPreps rankings.
** On Twitter we saw a tweet by Jon Buzby that the game was going to be streamed by 302 Sports. However when we went to retweet his post we received notice the tweet had been deleted. So we can't verify that the game will be streamed, but if you can't make it to the contest, you can check 302 Sports Youtube channel to see if it is.
Media Rank: TNJ: #4 , WDEL: #5
National Rank: #2801* State Rank: #8*
Conference: Henlopen South, Conference Record: 4 - 0
When: Friday October 26th 5:30 PM
Where: Spartan Stadium - Link
Series: Woodbridge leads the series 1 - 0
Last Played: 2017, Woodbridge won 42 - 0
Weather: Game time temps: High of 51, low of 44. Cloudy with a
30 - 60% chance of rain. 7 - 8 mph winds.
Media Coverage: 302 Sports Streaming - Link **
Coach: Ed Manlove
Schedule: Link
Roster: Link
* CalPreps rankings.
** On Twitter we saw a tweet by Jon Buzby that the game was going to be streamed by 302 Sports. However when we went to retweet his post we received notice the tweet had been deleted. So we can't verify that the game will be streamed, but if you can't make it to the contest, you can check 302 Sports Youtube channel to see if it is.
Coming off back to back losses, the Spartans will be looking to turn things around when they take the field Friday night. Their opponent, the Woodbridge Blue Raiders will only make that a more difficult prospect. The contest is a marquee match up between ranked teams with postseason implications. A familiar scenario for the Spartans, who will be facing this situation for the third week in a row. But things have changed for Saint Mark's as should their approach to the game. Just a few short weeks ago, the Spartans were flying high, and their future looked bright. However, the recent losses have closed the window on their odds to make the playoffs. And with a remaining schedule that includes two contests in which Saint Mark's will be the underdogs, the pressure the team puts on themselves to succeed could ratchet up. However it would serve them better to approach the remainder of the regular season with the exact opposite mentality. Few in the football community expect them to qualify for the postseason. Still, the possibility of doing so does indeed remain, and the Spartans shouldn't be listening to anyone who thinks otherwise. But they can use the situation they are in to their advantage. All three teams they will meet over the next two weeks are one loss from being in as difficult a spot as Saint Mark's. The time to worry isn't when your back is against the wall, that is reserved for those faced with being put in that position. For the Spartans it's time to come out loose, do the best you can, and let the chips fall where they may. You've felt the heat for the past few weeks, it's your turn to apply it.
After finishing 8 - 3 last year with one of the state's younger teams, Woodbridge entered this season with high expectations. They suffered early losses to Dover and Wilmington Friends, but appear to have things back on track, winning their last four contests. The Blue Raiders offense averages 35.7 points per game, and has no shortage of play makers. They are a ground attack team, but can burn you through the air if you commit to the run. Running back Jamon Kane leads the team with 978 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. Richard and Jayquon Massey round out a potent backfield. Quarterback Troy Haynes is capable of hurting the defense with his legs or arm. His favorite target, Gabe Westcott is one of the states better receivers. Woodbridge's defense has given up 17.1 points per game, though they have improved as of late, only allowing a single score in their last three contests. Linebackers Brock Keeler and Taeshaun Ford-Jackson are the units top tacklers. They are supported by a group of fast and athletic defenders. Their lines, while not overwhelming in size have been effective. It was the Blue Raiders speed and athleticism that blindsided the Spartans in Bridgeville last year, and could present problems again Friday night. The inclement weather could play a role and turn the game into a grind it out affair. If Saint Mark's can maintain an edge on the line and limit the Blue Raiders possessions they could pull off the upset. Ultimately though, the Spartans chance to succeed will come down to limiting the damage from Woodbridge's play makers, being disciplined, and making less mistakes.