8-0 last weekend and why not - it was a pretty easy weekend to pick. Not as easy this time around, especially with the wind likely slowing down a few passing gameplans around the state, and 1A jumps into the fray this weekend.
1A
No. 1 Laurel vs. No. 8 Odessa - The Mighty Ducks of MOT are the first new high school in the history of the state tournament to make the playoffs in their first year, something unimaginable under the old format. This will be a learning experience for them as Laurel has all the tools to win their first state title of any kind since 1991. Bulldogs 35, Ducks 6
No. 2 St. Elizabeth vs. No. 7 Wilmington Charter - A rematch from the Force's homecoming where St. E danced all over their field, look for the Vikings to do the same at the Ab this go round. Long term health of Quasim Benson is big for St. E's title hopes, but they can afford to sit him out another week tonight. Vikings 32, Force 7
No. 3 Tatnall vs. No. 6 Seaford - This one gives me pause. The Hornets looked good during their 6-game winning streak, then got blasted by Tower Hill to close the regular season. Seaford looked terrible against Laurel and IR, but beat everyone else in front of them (even though the ECHS games should only count as one). Bus ride blues might hamper Seaford, but can Tatnall prove they're the six-game winning streak Hornets or will those guys that showed up vs. St. E/Tower Hill be on display? Hornets 27, Blue Jays 21
No. 4 St. Andrew's vs. No. 5 Indian River - It's easy to pick Indian River because they played Laurel/St. E close as anyone's played them all season. Still, St. Andrew's has an offense capable of putting the pressure on IR, although the chill in the air the forecast calls for might alter their gameplay. This is the other game that could go either way in 1A. IR 31, Cardinals 27
2A
No. 1 Archmere vs. No. 8 St. Mark's - A Spartans playoff win over Howard does wonders for their confidence, but Archmere has many and varied weapons to beat a team, most notably quarterback Chris Albero, who leads likely the first air raid Auks offense of my lifetime. St. Mark's defense is going to have to be on high alert and not turn the ball over, which has been their bugaboo all season. Auks 30, Spartans 17
No. 2 Woodbridge vs. No. 7 Tower Hill - the artists formerly known as the Chickenhawks didn't have a choice in scheduling this year and aside from a couple of games, have looked like they've belonged against teams they didn't want to see in the past. That likely comes to an end in Bridgeville as the Blue Raiders are probably as close to a complete team as anyone in 2A. Just gotta watch out for that tricky single wing. Blue Raiders 26, Hillers 7
No. 3 Friends vs. No. 6 Delmar - Delmar looked bad in their season opener against Friends, but November's a different season and as we've seen in years past under Dave Hearn, Wildcats South is good for a surprise run to the semis/title game every other season or so. Friends has to be careful, but with a versatile offense and plenty of guys who can make a play on said offense, they should win this one, though it'll be closer than it was in September. Quakers 28, Wildcats 20
No. 4 Caravel vs. No. 5 DMA - The Buccaneers' defense is rivaled by only Woodbridge's in 2A, but their offense worries me to an extent. That's not a problem for DMA, who took out their frustrations on Concord last Friday. One to three big plays could win this game for DMA and of course with the talent they have on the offensive side of the ball, that could be anyone on any given play. Seahawks 21, Buccaneers 10
3A
No. 1 Smyrna vs. No. 8 William Penn - The Colonials have talent on both sides of the ball, but can make mistakes at crucial times. Against an Eagles team that doesn't work by the hour, that could be disastrous. Not sure there's a game plan that can keep Smyrna's offense from exploding, but Penn can do themselves a favor by not giving up a ton of field position. Maybe. Eagles 37, Colonials 17
No. 2 Middletown vs. No. 7 Appoquinimink - Took over a decade, but we have our first battle of Middletown playoff game. Appo plays with intensity and heart, but they'll need the Cavaliers' talent to have a complete night off to have a shot. Then again, that's why they play the games. Cavaliers 34, Jaguars 14
No. 3 Salesianum vs. No. 6 Sussex Central - Sallies has been more willing to open up the offense this year, but this is run the ball weather and few teams can rival the Golden Knights' run defense, even in a down year. Having a week off certainly helps the Sals, but Central will be ready. Sals 17, Golden Knights 13
No. 4 St. Georges vs. No. 5 Dover - The Senators won an entertaining 21-14 game at St. Georges back in September, but can lightning strike in the same place twice? The Hawks have beef on both lines and running backs who can pick up yardages in pieces or all at once. This feels like whoever starts fastest or best will come away with the win. Hawks 35, Senators 31
1A
No. 1 Laurel vs. No. 8 Odessa - The Mighty Ducks of MOT are the first new high school in the history of the state tournament to make the playoffs in their first year, something unimaginable under the old format. This will be a learning experience for them as Laurel has all the tools to win their first state title of any kind since 1991. Bulldogs 35, Ducks 6
No. 2 St. Elizabeth vs. No. 7 Wilmington Charter - A rematch from the Force's homecoming where St. E danced all over their field, look for the Vikings to do the same at the Ab this go round. Long term health of Quasim Benson is big for St. E's title hopes, but they can afford to sit him out another week tonight. Vikings 32, Force 7
No. 3 Tatnall vs. No. 6 Seaford - This one gives me pause. The Hornets looked good during their 6-game winning streak, then got blasted by Tower Hill to close the regular season. Seaford looked terrible against Laurel and IR, but beat everyone else in front of them (even though the ECHS games should only count as one). Bus ride blues might hamper Seaford, but can Tatnall prove they're the six-game winning streak Hornets or will those guys that showed up vs. St. E/Tower Hill be on display? Hornets 27, Blue Jays 21
No. 4 St. Andrew's vs. No. 5 Indian River - It's easy to pick Indian River because they played Laurel/St. E close as anyone's played them all season. Still, St. Andrew's has an offense capable of putting the pressure on IR, although the chill in the air the forecast calls for might alter their gameplay. This is the other game that could go either way in 1A. IR 31, Cardinals 27
2A
No. 1 Archmere vs. No. 8 St. Mark's - A Spartans playoff win over Howard does wonders for their confidence, but Archmere has many and varied weapons to beat a team, most notably quarterback Chris Albero, who leads likely the first air raid Auks offense of my lifetime. St. Mark's defense is going to have to be on high alert and not turn the ball over, which has been their bugaboo all season. Auks 30, Spartans 17
No. 2 Woodbridge vs. No. 7 Tower Hill - the artists formerly known as the Chickenhawks didn't have a choice in scheduling this year and aside from a couple of games, have looked like they've belonged against teams they didn't want to see in the past. That likely comes to an end in Bridgeville as the Blue Raiders are probably as close to a complete team as anyone in 2A. Just gotta watch out for that tricky single wing. Blue Raiders 26, Hillers 7
No. 3 Friends vs. No. 6 Delmar - Delmar looked bad in their season opener against Friends, but November's a different season and as we've seen in years past under Dave Hearn, Wildcats South is good for a surprise run to the semis/title game every other season or so. Friends has to be careful, but with a versatile offense and plenty of guys who can make a play on said offense, they should win this one, though it'll be closer than it was in September. Quakers 28, Wildcats 20
No. 4 Caravel vs. No. 5 DMA - The Buccaneers' defense is rivaled by only Woodbridge's in 2A, but their offense worries me to an extent. That's not a problem for DMA, who took out their frustrations on Concord last Friday. One to three big plays could win this game for DMA and of course with the talent they have on the offensive side of the ball, that could be anyone on any given play. Seahawks 21, Buccaneers 10
3A
No. 1 Smyrna vs. No. 8 William Penn - The Colonials have talent on both sides of the ball, but can make mistakes at crucial times. Against an Eagles team that doesn't work by the hour, that could be disastrous. Not sure there's a game plan that can keep Smyrna's offense from exploding, but Penn can do themselves a favor by not giving up a ton of field position. Maybe. Eagles 37, Colonials 17
No. 2 Middletown vs. No. 7 Appoquinimink - Took over a decade, but we have our first battle of Middletown playoff game. Appo plays with intensity and heart, but they'll need the Cavaliers' talent to have a complete night off to have a shot. Then again, that's why they play the games. Cavaliers 34, Jaguars 14
No. 3 Salesianum vs. No. 6 Sussex Central - Sallies has been more willing to open up the offense this year, but this is run the ball weather and few teams can rival the Golden Knights' run defense, even in a down year. Having a week off certainly helps the Sals, but Central will be ready. Sals 17, Golden Knights 13
No. 4 St. Georges vs. No. 5 Dover - The Senators won an entertaining 21-14 game at St. Georges back in September, but can lightning strike in the same place twice? The Hawks have beef on both lines and running backs who can pick up yardages in pieces or all at once. This feels like whoever starts fastest or best will come away with the win. Hawks 35, Senators 31
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