In the two game series between Saint Mark's and Lake Forest the home team has been treated to a victory, while the visiting squad was left relegated to a long bus ride home, likely feeling as though they had been tricked. Both contests were a tale of two halves, with the visitors heading to intermission in control, only to see the home team earn the win. In the school's first meeting in 2016 Saint Marks led 13 - 7 at the half, but would leave Felton with a 14 -13 loss. Saint Mark's would serve up a little payback the following year, scoring thirty-one unanswered points in the second half on a young Lake Forest team that had outplayed their hosts in taking a 7 - 6 lead. Considering the horrifying fashion in which the series visiting teams saw their good fortune end in defeat, it's only appropriate the grudge match be played the night before Halloween, in a stadium nicknamed 'The Graveyard.' A continuation of this trend would bode well for Saint Mark's, however, past history offers no guarantees, nor will those Lake Forest squads be taking the field.
You can read a recap of the two previous contests between the teams by clicking on the links below.
You can read a recap of the two previous contests between the teams by clicking on the links below.
Coming off an 8 - 3 season, and returning key players from the program's first team to qualify for postseason play since 2015, Lake Forest was expected to compete for the Henlopen South crown. However, a stunning opening game loss to Laurel has muddied the picture, making it difficult to gauge either teams strength. While the result was puzzling to those who like predicting these things, it really shouldn't be, especially this year. By nature, openers don't always show a team's true ability, which could be compounded even more by this season's delayed start. Lake Forest started strong against Laurel, taking a 12 - 6 lead into the third quarter, but couldn't hold on as the Bulldogs scored three straight touchdowns in their 27 - 18 win. While the loss has those in the media predicting a Saint Mark's win, had the game been played last week those same prognosticators would have likely favored Lake Forest. Whether Laurel proves to be more improved than anticipated or Lake got off to a poor start, Saint Mark's (and their fans) should be prepared for the team that was expected to contend.
On offense Lake Forest likes to run the ball. And with the core of their line returning you can expect them to continue doing so. They have no shortage of capable rushers in running backs Michael Brown (#2), Kendal Smith (#6), and quarterback Damian Galindez (#5). Jalen Morris (#7) is a dangerous receiver when Lake Forest goes to the air. They went for two point conversions following both their scores last week. Whether that was by design or necessity is unknown. Senior safety Nakiem Scott (#1) leads a defensive unit that is slightly less experienced than their offensive counterpart. Despite the unit's letdown in the third quarter of their opener, they possess enough talent and experience to present problems for opposing defenses. With a quality staff led by Head Coach Fred Johnson an improved squad from last week will take the field Friday. With the coldest weather of the season (so far) forecast, ball security could play a bigger role in the contest than usual. I'm expecting a close game; with the team that wins the battle in the trenches to prevail.