Seniors Joe Cartwright (Left, #75) and Victor Marcelo (right, #15) were selected to USA Today's 2018 All-USA Delaware Football team. The newspaper selects a team annually that sports journalists believe to be the best players from each state. Cartwright, whose season was cut short by injury made the team for the second consecutive season. (Photos courtesy of Richard Christians) You can see a list of Spartans who have made the team to date here - Link
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Spartan Football players Victor Marcelo (#15) and Tyler Westergard (#65) were honored with individual awards for their play during the 2018 season. Marcelo won the Maxwell Football Club's 'Mini Max Award' while Westergard received the D.I.A.A. Sportsmanship Award. (Photos courtesy of Richard Christians) You can see a listing of past winners here - Link Four Spartans were named to the 2018 All-State Football team today in recognition of their on-field achievements this past season. You can see a list of the players chosen here - Link Saint Mark's is well represented on this year's Football All-Conference team, which was released in full today. Ten Spartans were awarded first team honors with Victor Marcelo and Tyler Westergard earning two-way recognition. You can see a complete list of the selections here - Link Who: Salesianum Sals 7 - 2 (Home 4 - 0, Away 3 - 2)
Media Rank: TNJ: #5 (DI) , WDEL: #5 (DI) National Rank: #1599* State Rank: #5* Conference: N/A, Conference Record: N/A When: Friday November 9th, 7:30 PM Where: Baynard Stadium - Link Series: Salesianum leads the series 33 - 17 Last Played: 2017, Salesianum won 38 - 18 Weather: Game time temps: High of 52, low of 51. Cloudy with 90% chance of rain. 5 to 10 MPH winds. Media Coverage: WDEL Radio Broadcast Coach: Bill DiNardo Schedule: Link Roster: Link * CalPreps rankings. For the fourth straight season Saint Mark's Football team will enter their final game with a possible postseason berth on the line. While the path for this year's team isn't as clear as it was for the previous three, the initial hurdle remains the same. Once again, the Spartans will have to defeat Catholic rival Salesianum if they hope to extend their season. It's a situation Saint Mark's has faced numerous times throughout the course of the series. However since the move to Division II (in 2015) their prospects of succeeding have diminished. Other than a twelve year run of Salesianum dominance (1986 -1997) the series was competitive while the teams were members of the same division. The teams were tied at seven wins apiece when the streak started, with the Sal's holding an eleven to ten edge following it's conclusion. The complexion of the series changed in 2015, with the contest becoming a David versus Goliath match up for the Spartans. Since then Salesianum has went 3 - 0, winning rather easily, though Saint Mark's did give them a scare early in the game last year. Even though it has only been a short time since the Spartans got the better of their rival, it seems like an eternity. With the odds of Saint Mark's winning again, diminishing in the perception of the football community, each and every passing year. Reaching the postseason would make for a special season for the players and staff. But being part of the first team to beat Salesianum, since the move to Division II would be legendary. Whether they realize it or not, nothing short of winning a title would top that. The team that beats Salesianum will shatter the wall of perception, and change the series forever. The team that gets number eighteen will live long in Saint Mark's history whether their record reads 1 - 9 or 10 - 0.
If the Spartans want to be the first and only team to notch number eighteen they will have to play their best game of the year. Salesianum is 7 - 2 and heading into the playoffs on a roll. They have won three straight, including a 35 - 16 win over recent nemesis Smyrna, which likely has their confidence sky high. Their offense averages 23.7 points per game primarily running the ball. The star in their backfield is no stranger to the Spartans. Andrew Watkins (who transferred in the off season) gets the bulk of the carries, and is having a banner year. Fullback Jesse Wheatley will get the odd call. A traditional Salesianum offense, they don't pass often, but can be successful when they do. Quarterback Gabe Puzzangara has returned from injury and taken over for Dylan Mooney. Mooney gained valuable playing time in Puzzangara's absence, providing the Sals with depth at the position. Logon Bushweller and Jack Healy are threats when they do go to the air. Their lines on both sides of the ball are young but have become more cohesive as the season has progressed. Linebacker's Brendan Pacheco and Colin Fowler lead a defense that has only allowed 11.4 points per game. Matthew Scott and Dylan Mooney are standouts in the secondary. Kicker Mitch Sgro anchors solid special teams units. To come away with the win Saint Mark's will have to play a smart disciplined game. They will have to shut the run game down and force Salesianum to the air. The offense will have to be opportunistic and maintain good ball security. In every big upset there are variables that come into play. Some of those will exist in this contest, and could afford the Spartans the means to prevail. But if Saint Mark's wants to win it has to start with the belief that they can.
Who: St. Elizabeth Vikings 4 - 4 (Home 1 - 3, Away 3 - 1) Media Rank: TNJ: #NR , WDEL: #NR National Rank: #7519* State Rank: #23* Conference: N/A, Conference Record: N/A When: Saturday November 3rd, 7:00 PM** Where: Spartan Stadium - Link Series: Saint Mark's leads the series 23 - 9 - 1 Last Played: 2017, Saint Mark's won 35 - 0 Weather: Game time temps: High of 50, low of 46. Sunny with 0% chance of rain. 5 to 9 MPH winds. Media Coverage: N/A Coach: Marvin Dooley Schedule: Link Roster: Link * CalPreps rankings. ** The contest, originally scheduled for 11/2, was moved to 11/3 due to inclement weather. Saint Mark's will take on Catholic rival St. Elizabeth Friday night for the 34th contest in the series between the teams. As rivalries go, it has been more friendly than heated throughout the years. Though that should change with both teams competing in the same division. The series has seen it's share of classic contests, and this year's meeting could join that list. Both squads enter the game at 4 - 4 and are coming off three consecutive losses. Besides overcoming their rival, the squads will have to navigate the emotion and formalities that accompany the contest. It is Senior Night for Saint Mark's, the Muscle Movement Foundation's Sack Muscle Disease Game, and will honor late Spartan gridiron star, and St. Elizabeth coach Matt Janicki. To add a little more intrigue, many of Saint Mark's coaches, and a few players will be going against the team they coached and played with last year. Still, while there are many side stories to the game, when the whistle blows it will be about football, and two teams trying to get back in the win column. Both squads hit the mid-season mark at 4 - 1, and share a degree of disappointment with how the second half has played out. That sentiment though, runs deeper for Saint Mark's, who entered the year with high expectations. Hoping to qualify for the postseason, the Spartans find themselves likely on the outside looking in. For the Vikings, the goal of finishing with the program's first winning record since 2012 is still in sight. Though they are probably still a bit unsettled with the recent turn of events, Friday night will be the last dance in The Graveyard for thirteen Saint Mark's players. It's their moment, and while not the one they had envisioned, it is theirs nonetheless. They can let the past drag them down, or they can live in the moment, making it theirs, and owning it forever. Saint Mark's 2018 Seniors : #10 Jadin Elliot, #75 Joe Cartwright, #56 Kevin Tobin, #65 William Westergard, #15 Victor Marcelo, #43 Jacob Meisel, #22 Michael Williams, #11 A.J. Poppiti, #2 Ryan Duplessis, #85 Brandon Holmburg, #8 Jelani Bryant, #3 Carter Benham, (missing Eric Ludman). (Photo courtesy of Richard Christians) Coming off a two win season, with a young team, most expected to see improvement in the 2018 St. Elizabeth squad. The Vikings have lived up to that and rewarded first year Coach Marvin Dooley the opportunity to deliver the program's first winning season in six years. They opened strong, but like the Spartans, have struggled with a difficult second half schedule. The Viking offense averages 14.3 points per game. Like Marvin Dooley's teams at William Penn, they run the ball. Their ground and pound attack centers around running back Ray Jones. The senior gets most of the carries and has gained 894 yards on the year and scored six touchdowns. If quarterback Noah Ogbin isn't handing off to Jones, Dashaun Brooks or Cameron Tjaden usually get the ball. Ogbin, who serves mostly as a game manager in the scheme, only throws occasionally and when he does he spreads it around. All three backs along with wide out John Shields and tight end Luke Schiavoni could be on the receiving end. The defense has had their moments but struggled against tougher opponents giving up an average of 25.3 points per game. Jones leads this unit from his linbacker spot, along with Brooks (DB), Tjaden (LB), Jaegar Wesley (DL), Joseph Kindbeiter (DL), Thomas Zatalava (LB), Luke Moyer (LB), Connor Rock (DB ), and Samuel Janicki (LB). Kicker Brian Millard is consistent and anchors solid special teams units. As Ray Jones and his offensive line go, so go the Vikings. With a forecast for rain the game could come down to who can run the ball. But with both teams on extended losing streaks, who is hungrier and wants it more will likely play a bigger role in the outcome. Saint Mark's graduate Matt Janicki (class of 1983), who lost his battle with cancer last June will be honored at the game. Janicki also served as a coach at St. Elizabeth, and the number 33 that he wore while a Spartan player will adorn each sideline in the teams respective colors. While at Saint Mark's Matt was a star fullback under Coach Jack Smiley from 1980 - 1982. In 1982, his senior year, he helped lead the team to a 7 - 3 record, rushing for over a 1,000 yards and eleven touchdowns. His exploits that season earned him All State honors and a spot in the D.F.R.C. Blue & Gold All Star Football game. The 82' squad just missed qualifying for the postseason losing a hard fought 15 - 8 battle to eventual Division II State Champion, and #1 ranked Archmere Academy in the final game of the regular season. Matt was a great football player and even better person. His loss is felt by all in both the Spartan and Viking communities. Our condolences go out to his wife Donna, his children Matthew III, Marissa, and Samuel. Samuel, his youngest son will compete in the game for St. Elizabeth.
Friday night's contest is also the third installment of the Muscle Movement Foundation's Sack Muscle Disease Game. The organization founded by Saint Mark's graduate Rob DeMasi (class of 2009), works to combat the detrimental effects of muscular dystrophy, ALS, and other muscle related diseases. The game which was started in 2016, is held to raise awareness to muscle disease and the MMF's fight to bring an end to muscle related diseases. Sack Muscle Game past results: 2016 - Saint Mark's 35 - 20 2017 - Saint Mark's 35 - 0 If you are interested in the MMF, or would like to help in the organization's fight please visit their website: Muscle Movement Foundation 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. 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. Who: Delaware Military Academy 3 - 3 (Home 2 - 1, Away 1- 2) Media Rank: TNJ: # 9 , WDEL: #9 National Rank: #5704 State Rank: #16 Conference: Diamond State, Conference Record: 2 - 1 When: Friday October 19th 7:00 PM Where: Spartan Stadium - Link Series: Saint Mark's leads the series 4 - 3 Last Played: 2017, Delaware Military won 33 - 21 Weather: Game time temps: High of 56, low of 55. Cloudy with a 15% chance of rain. 8mph winds. Media Coverage: 302 Sports Streaming - Link Coach: Mike Ryan Schedule: Link Roster: Link ** CalPreps rankings. There will be much at stake when Saint Mark's and Delaware Military Academy meet Friday night for the eighth consecutive contest between the burgeoning gridiron rivals. Both squads are coming off disappointing losses to top Division II foes, that have put their once promising seasons in jeopardy. It is an important game for both teams, and with possible postseason implications will be under the media spotlight. All of this should motivate the clubs this week as they prepare for the contest. However for the Spartans nothing should add more fuel to the fire than pride. Not a single member of this team has ever beat DMA. After Saint Mark's won the first four games in the series, the Seahawks have taken the last three. And with a win Friday night Delaware Military could not only tie the series, but put themselves among elite company. In the forty-seven year old Spartan program history only five schools (Archmere, Dover, Newark, Salesianum, and William Penn) have defeated Saint Mark's four times (or more) in a row. While the game is not a must win situation for either team, for the loser, the road to the playoffs becomes much more perilous. The Seahawks, at 3 - 3 have a pretty clear path if they get past the Spartans. And if they fall, they could still possibly qualify at 6 - 4 due to a strong schedule. Saint Mark's, at 4 - 2 could probably afford another loss, however with the opponents they have remaining it would put them in a difficult position. There is indeed much at stake for both these teams, and no shortage of reasons from which to draw motivation. However when you're the squad on the wrong side of a three game losing streak, the desire to win simply becomes a matter of pride. Despite graduating fifteen seniors from last years 9 - 2 team, Delaware Military Academy opened the 2018 season with the expectation of qualifying for a fourth consecutive playoff berth. The Seahawks looked to be on the right path, winning three straight out of the gate before their fortunes took a turn for the worse. With injuries to key players and facing tougher competition, Delaware Military would go on to lose their next three contests. It is unfamiliar territory for the program which hasn't suffered a similar streak since 2011. Getting back to full health, the Seahawk team that Saint Mark's sees in The Graveyard Friday night will closer resemble the group that opened the season, than the one that has struggled of late. Injured in their 20 - 7 loss to St. Elizabeth, versatile star Corahn Alleyne has played sparingly over the past few weeks. With a combined thirteen touchdowns on the year, Allenye is an integral cog in the Delaware Military wheel. His absence is felt on both sides of the ball. That is not to say the Seahawks are a one man team. Quarterback Joe Deal is a capable passer with multiple targets in Dior Boyd and Andrew Hudson. Their lines aren't as dominant as those in the recent past, however they are solid with decent size. Their defense was stifling early in the season, but has dropped off some, likely due to injuries and stiffer competition. They have a good kicker in Mike Ruggeri, and with Alleyene at returner, their special teams can be spectacular. Not knowing their health status, especially that of Alleyne, makes it difficult to gauge how good a squad the Spartans will face. But it is safe to say it will be better than the team that gave Archmere a scare before falling last week. The game should be a classic battle between two teams playing with a sense of urgency, and a bit of desperation. Who: Howard Vo-Tech 4 - 1 (Home 1 - 1, Away 3 - 0) Media Rank: TNJ: # 5 , WDEL: #8 National Rank: #4510 State Rank: #10 Conference: Blue Hen Flight B, Conference Record: 3 - 0 When: Saturday, October 13th 1:00 PM Where: Baynard Stadium - Link Series: Saint Mark's leads the series 3 - 1 Last Played: 2017, Saint Mark's won 23 - 16 Weather: Game time temps: High of 55, low of 51. Cloudy with a 15% chance of rain. 12 mph winds. Media Coverage: 302 Sports Streaming - Link Coach: Dan Ritter Schedule: Link Roster: Link ** CalPreps rankings. While the bright lights of Baynard Stadium won't be shining when Saint Mark's meets Howard Vo-Tech Saturday, the game will be very much in the spotlight. The teams, both 4 -1 and ranked, are among a dozen squads, that at this point are considered serious contenders to qualify for the Division II playoff field. Any contest members of this group are involved in will draw a little extra scrutiny from the media and football community. And when these teams face off against each other, the bright lights intensify. With all five of their remaining games against currently ranked teams, the Spartans might want to invest in sun glasses and sunscreen. No team in Division II faces as daunting a schedule as Saint Mark's going forward. A few teams, mostly from The Henlopen South Conference, face a difficult road with three or four tough games left on the slate. However, none will be in a marquee match up week after week, like the Spartans. For Saint Mark's it is showtime, and could (depending on results) remain that way until they hang up their cleats for the year. Competing in big games against tough opponents is something embraced by both the coaches and players. And though it can be distracting at times, the bright lights that accompany these contests are welcomed and deserved. While we speculate on the journey that lies ahead, for the team the focus is solely on the next stop. In the one week at a time bubble, with which the coaches and players reside, all that exists is Wildcats. The game between these teams last year was a battle with Saint Mark's coming out on top. Many from the Howard side were highly disappointed with the outcome, feeling their squad deserved a better fate. The Wildcats and their fans have likely been looking forward to the rematch, which should only add to the big game atmosphere Saturday afternoon. Since Coach Dan Ritter took over the Howard program in 2001 they have quietly become a Division II power. Under his guidance the team qualified for postseason play for the first time in the school's history in 2002. During his tenure the Wildcats have appeared in the playoffs ten times, winning the program's first state title in 2015. They entered the 2018 season looking for their fourth consecutive appearance in the tournament and at this point look more than up to the task. Their lone loss came to Hodgson Vo-Tech who is currently undefeated and ranked among the best teams in Division I. The 26 points they scored in that loss is the most the Silver Eagles have given up to any team this year. They were dominant in their wins against McKean (36 - 0), Brandywine (28 - 7), and Dickinson (56 - 0). Against Division I St. Georges they won a hard fought defensive battle, with the game's only score coming on an interception return. Their offense averages 30. 8 points per game, and is fueled by skilled play makers in quarterback Tyhir Harley, running backs Stephen Forbi, Karvin Reeves, and wide receiver Isaiah Kelsey. Whether running the ball or passing, they are a dangerous group, capable of scoring on any play. Their defense ranks seventh in the state, giving up only ten points per contest. The Wildcats are physical and athletic on both sides of the ball, and have decent size on their lines. Many of their top players see action in all three phases of the game, presenting a scoring threat on defense and special teams. Howard presents the Spartans with a difficult challenge. Saint Mark's is considered the underdog in the contest and should embrace the role. They will need to limit the damage from big plays, and lengthen the game. The Spartans appear to have an edge in both size and depth, which they may be able to use to their advantage as the game progresses. Much like the meeting between these two last year, I would expect the game to go down to the wire, with the team making less mistakes coming away with the win. Who: Mount Pleasant 1 - 3 (Home 0 - 1, Away 1 - 2) Media Rank: TNJ: # NR , WDEL: # NR National Rank: #9928 State Rank: #32 Conference: Blue Hen Flight B, Conference Record: 1 - 1 When: Saturday, October 6th 2:00 PM Where: Mount Pleasant High School - Link Series: Saint Mark's leads the series 1 - 0 Last Played: 2017, Saint Mark's won 58 - 7 Weather: Game time temps: high of 72, low of 71, cloudy with 0 % chance of rain and 6mph winds. Media Coverage: N/A Coach: Randy Holmes Schedule: Link Roster: Link ** CalPreps rankings. Saint Mark's travels to Mount Pleasant High School this weekend to take on the Green Knights. The Saturday matinee game affords the Spartans an extra day of practice, and a brief respite from the bright lights of a marquee match up. Both of which could be beneficial coming off their overtime loss to Archmere Academy. Close defeats are tough to digest under normal circumstances. When many of the wounds are self inflicted, it only compounds the despair. Unnecessary penalties, unforced turnovers, and mental lapses plagued Saint Mark's in their first loss of the year. And while the number of these mistakes were unusually high, and not likely to be repeated by the same team in a single season, it is still cause for concern. In tight battles, against stiff competition, even a few of these errors can mean the difference between victory and defeat. At their core, these are habits, that can be addressed, and corrected in practice. If there was ever a time for the Spartans to get back to their grind, and work on the fundamentals of the game, it's now. The longer week should help in this area, as could their next opponent. Mount Pleasant should challenge Saint Mark's enough to test them, though not to the point of shutting them down. The Spartans should be able to focus on their execution, developing better patience, and maintaining cooler heads in heated situations. The game should also offer less distractions for the players, being on the road, and in the afternoon. There will be less pressure for the players to put on a show in this atmosphere. All in all, the timing of this contest couldn't be better. And while it would feel good to win big, coming off the heartbreaking loss to the Auks. It would serve Saint Mark's better to concentrate on the how, more than the how much. This game offers the Spartans an environment to work out the wrinkles, that they won't likely see again going forward. Mount Pleasant enters the contest with the same record (1 - 3) and nearly identical results as they did when the teams met last year. After falling in a close game to St. Elizabeth (20 - 10), they manhandled Dickinson (37 - 12) for their lone win. That was followed by lopsided losses to Sussex Tech (47 - 6) and A.I. DuPont (35 - 7). In many ways they appear comparable to the 2017 squad that finished 4 - 6. The notable difference being in the players that returned. Although they lost ten seniors to graduation from the group, many of their key players were underclassmen and are back, with experience, and ready to lead this year. The Green Knights offense looks balanced, though they will lean towards the pass or run depending on their opponent. They feature a tandem of running backs in Carnell Smith and Donnell Gandy. Smith has rushed for 257 yards and three touchdowns, while Gandy has contributed with 163 yards and one score. Both can be dangerous runners if they get into the open field. Quarterback Zach Wallen passes for an average of 112 yards per game and has thrown three touchdowns. His favorite target is Jorden Collins who has 24 receptions for 330 yards, and three touchdowns on the year. Defensive backs Gandy, Tiler Thomas, and Treasure Williams are standouts on a defense that has struggled at times. They have given up 28.5 points per game, though that number is inflated due to the competition they have faced. Like many teams, Mount Pleasant has their share of skilled athletes, but lacks the surrounding cast. I would expect the Green Knights to have their moments, but Saint Mark's talent and depth should take over and allow them to prevail. |
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