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.
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.