Caesar Rodney running back Malcolm Yowk looks to help the Riders qualify for the Division I playoffs as they face Dover on Friday. (Photo by Ron Snyder)
No. 2 St. Mark’s (8-1) at No. 3 Salesianum (7-2), Friday, 7
This rivalry game could be one of the best contests of the regular season. St. Mark’s has won with defense the last two weeks, including rallying for a 7-3 win last week against St. Elizabeth when quarterback Tyler Hrycak connected on an 18-yard touchdown to Brandon Baker in the fourth quarter. Salesianum is coming off a disappointing 31-21 loss against No. 5 Caravel. On a side note, St. Mark’s defeated Caravel, 48-14 on Oct. 23.
No. 5 Caravel (7-2) at Red Lion Christian (7-2), Friday, 7
Caravel is coming off one of the biggest wins in its program’s recent history as the Bucs upset then top-ranked Salesianum, 31-21. Running back Brandon Cheaton and quarterback Jon Welch led Caravel. Cheaton, a senior running back had touchdown runs of 15 and 73 yards and a 41-yard touchdown reception on a pass from Welch. Welch completed 5-of-8 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Red Lion Christian is still in contention for a Division II playoff spot, but will likely need a win and some help to get in. Red Lion is coming off a 40-22 win over Wilmington Friends, a game in which Tommy Lenoir had three interceptions, including one he ran back for a touchdown.
No. 9 Hodgson Vo-Tech (7-2) at Dickinson (0-9), Friday, 7
Hodgson Vo-Tech is locked in a battle with Pencader Charter and Howard for the Blue Hen Flight B title. The Silver Eagles won, 49-0, last week against Dickinson. In that win, Jamaal Jackson, a senior running back had touchdown runs of 33, 20, 16, 30 and 35 yards. Dickinson lost 39-0 last week against Mount Pleasant. The Rams average just 8.8 points per game on offense while allowing 35.3 points a game on defense.
No. 4 Sussex Tech (8-1) at Polytech (1-8), Friday, 7:30
Sussex Tech needs to win this game to pretty much lock up a Division I postseason berth. The Ravens are coming off a 48-21 win over Tatnall. Much like it has all season, Sussex Tech jumped on the back of Desmond Sivels, who rushed for 217 yards and four touchdowns last week. Polytech is feeling better about its season after it won its first game last week, 21-14, over Woodbridge.
Dover (4-5) at No. 7 Caesar Rodney (6-3), Friday, 7:30
Caesar Rodney, the defending Division I state champions, needs a win this week to lock up a playoff spot and try to win the Henlopen North title. The Riders won 34-13 last week against Smyrna. Malcolm Yowk and Daquan Harris rushed for two touchdowns each in the win. Dover looks to play the role of spoiler while trying to avoid losing its third straight game. Dover lost 40-28 last week against Milford in a game it was outscored 27-14 in the second half.
Lake Forest (6-3) at No. 8 Milford (6-3), Friday, 7:30
Milford appears to be on solid ground to make the Division I playoffs a year after winning the Division II state title. A win over Lake Forest would go a long way toward making that a reality. Milford has won three straight, including 40-28 last week over Dover. The Buccaneers have outscored their opponents 115-41 during that span. Milford running back Brandon LeGrand rushed for 291 yards and four touchdowns on 18 carries last week. Lake Forest has won three straight, including 45-0 last week over Moyer Academy. The Spartans have also outscored their opponents 78-0 the last two weeks.
No. 6 Middletown (6-3) at Brandywine (0-9), Saturday, 10:30 a.m.
Middletown has hurt its postseason chances after losing two straight, including 28-0 last week against top-ranked A.I. du Pont. Still, the Cavaliers offense averages 30 points a game, something that shouldn’t be a problem against a Brandywine team that allows 32.6 points a contest. Brandywine lost last week, 48-0, against Newark
No. 10 Pencader Charter (7-2) at Mount Pleasant (6-3), Saturday, 10:30 a.m.
Pencader Charter looks to ride its high-powered offense to its first playoff berth in the school’s young history. The Titans took care of Appoquinimink, 27-21, last week. In that game, quarterback Brandon Norman completed 19-for-32 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns while his twin brother, Brian, had seven catches for 147 yards and an interception. Mount Pleasant still has a chance at the playoffs with a win and some help. The Green Knights defeated Dickinson, 39-0 last week.
No.1 A.I. du Pont (9-0) at William Penn (5-4), Saturday, 1
A.I. du Pont made any doubters take notice last week with its 28-0 win over No. 6 Middletown, securing the school’s first playoff berth since 1982. In that game, quarterback C.J. Jones had touchdown runs of 65 and 11 yards while the Tigers defense posted their sixth shutout of the season. William Penn has won five of its last seven games, including a 26-14 victory last week over Charter School of Wilmington. Although William Penn will be on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs, it has a chance to close out the season on a high note after starting the year 0-2.
Appoquinimink (5-4) at Howard (8-1), Saturday, 7
Howard needs this win to help in their bid to win the Blue Hen Flight B title. Howard has won five straight, including 36-0 last week against McKean. Jordan Hunter-Laws paced the Wildcats in that game, racking up 192 yards in total offense while scoring two touchdowns. Appoquinimink looks to wrap up its first varsity season with a win after losing 27-21 last week against Pencader Charter.
ronsnyder@coachesaid.com
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