Dover vs Smyrna football. Photo by Ben Fulton
The high school football season kicks off on August 29th this season, which is a little more than two weeks away. I am going to pick a must see game for all 11 weeks but I gave myself some ground rules to follow. I couldn;t use a team more than once, tried to balance out the 3 Classes, and looked at some of the many good rivalries in the state.
Week 1: Lake Forest @ Odessa August 29th 7 PM
This will be the Ducks second ever senior class and their second year in class 2A. They struggled last year against a tough schedule and a home game to start the season could be a catalyst for a good season. The Spartans had a lot of key injuries last year especially at the quarterback position. They could be back in the 2A playoff picture and a road win to start the season could help.
Week 2: Mckean @ Conrad September 7th 11 AM
This is a key non district 1A game as both the Highlanders and Red Wolves start their season. The Red Wolves have a tough schedule and start with Red Clay rival Mckean at home. Both these teams have great young coaches and this could be a very entertaining game.
Week 3: St Andrew’s @ Tatnall September 13th 7 PM
This is the Cannon game which is one of the better rivalry games in the state. I was at the game as a youngster as it always seemed to be a week 10 matchup. The defending 1A champions are bringing in the temporary lights for this game and it will be interesting to see how they replace some of their seniors that lead them to the championship. St Andrew’s look to put an early season dent on the defending champs resume.
Week 4: Indian River @ Polytech September 20th 7 PM
The former Hemlopen members meet up in an important 1A district 2 game early in the season. The Panthers had a great season last year that took them to the state tournament. Indian River also has a balanced team that could compete for the 1A championship.
Week 5: Woodbridge @ Sussex Central September 27th 7 PM
This is a key game as the Blue Raiders step up a class as they head to the castle to take on the Knights. The Knights won their district in 3A behind a solid defense and an offense that improved as the season went on. The Blue Raiders had a great season behind a powerful offense reaching the semifinals in 2A. This could be a great rest before both teams start district play.
Week 6: DMA @ Archmere October 5th 11 AM
The Seahawks and Auks have been playing instant classics the last few years and this 2A inter district showdown. The Auks were 1-3 last year and went to DMA and pulled off a high road win. They won 7 straight after that to reach the 2A championship. This game this year in Claymont will be important for both teams as they both have a chance to be in the 2A state tournament.
Week 7: St Elizabeth’s @ Wilmington Charter October 12th 11 AM
The Vikings travel to face the Force in a big late season District 1 1A game. The Force had a great year last year and reached the championship game for the first time as a 1A team. The Vikings lack of depth might be a key for them this season but this game could be for the district 1 title and a top seed.
Week 8: Smyrna @ Dover October 18th 7 PM
This has been one of the better kent county football games in the last few years and the Senators got a huge road win last year. The Senators lost a lot of players and have a new coach but they will be ready to defend their home turf when the dangerous Eagles come to town.
Week 9: Sallies @ Middletown October 25th 7 PM
These are two favorites in 3A and have played 4 times in the last 2 seasons including a pair of Sallies wins last season at home.. The last time the Sals visited Middletown the Cavs won that tournament first round game. Both teams have a deep roster and the district 1 title and possible top 2 seed on the line in this big game.
Week 10: Friends @ Tower Hill November 1st 7 PM
These 2 former Independent conference members meet in a big 2A district 2 conference game. These rivals have had some big games in the last decade. The Quakers look to leave Tower with a win or will the Hillers pull off the win on their campus.
Week 11: Caravel @ Red Lion November 9th 7 PM
This will be the last game of the season, a primetime Saturday night battle between the defending 2A champs and their rival the Lions who can compete for the district 1 title with them and DMA. This game could decide that and we could also see this rematch down the line.
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