A.I. DuPont- 5-5 last season and lost Henderson/Heard from an offense that scored 34 ppg. Had 19 juniors on last years varsity roster so they have some decent numbers returning. Defense was a major downfall for the Tigers last season. They allowed 37 points per game and gave up 40 or more points in 5 games. Start the season with Sussex Tech-Concord-William Penn.
Charter- 1-9 last season with the win coming against Howard in the opening game. Non-conference games against DMA and Red Lion should be competitive. Low numbers and a very small team.
William Penn- 10-0 State Champions last year. The defending champions return a good nucleus of players (Amachi, Burton, Dooley, Johnson) and should be very tough again this year. Big games include 9/18 at Middletown and 10/31 vs Salesianum. The Colonials open the season vs. St. Georges in an interesting non conference match up. William Penn should be right at the top again this season.
Delcastle- 2-8 last year after 3 consecutive 1-9 seasons. They'll have a new coach with Mike Lemon leading the way. Ahmere Dorsey returns for the Cougars after scoring double digits in touchdowns as a junior. Non-conference schedule includes Smyrna and Poly tech.
Concord- 7-3 last year with a first round playoff loss to St. Mark's. Concord lost 21 seniors to graduation but they do have DI prospect LB Avery Roberts returning. The Raiders always seem to be a team in the mix and this year will probably be no different.
Mount Pleasant- 5-5 last season playing in Flight B. Last winning season was in 2009 when they went 6-4. Tough transition into Flight A this year.
Middletown- 8-2 last year ending with a loss in the state championship to William Penn. Last season was a supposed rebuilding year for the Cavaliers and with only 7 seniors they made it all the way to the finals. Expect this years team to be even better. Non-conference games against CR and Salesianum will be tough.
Appo- 2-8 last season after going 1-9 the previous year. Things will get better at Appo but I don't think they are ready to challenge the top of the conference just yet. Non-conference games against Poly Tech and Smyrna round out their schedule.
Newark- 6-4 last season. The Yellowjackets started last season 6-1 but lost their final 3 games costing them a chance to return to the playoffs for the 1st time since 2011. Standout QB Ben Campbell is gone but Newark does return a good group of players. The strength of this team should be up front on the line of scrimmage. Newark opens the season on 9/11 at St. Mark's. They also face long time rival Glasgow in their other non conference game.
Predicted order of finish
1. Middletown
2. William Penn
3. Concord
4. Newark
5. AI DuPont
6. Delcastle
7. Appo
8. Mount Pleasant
9. Charter
Charter- 1-9 last season with the win coming against Howard in the opening game. Non-conference games against DMA and Red Lion should be competitive. Low numbers and a very small team.
William Penn- 10-0 State Champions last year. The defending champions return a good nucleus of players (Amachi, Burton, Dooley, Johnson) and should be very tough again this year. Big games include 9/18 at Middletown and 10/31 vs Salesianum. The Colonials open the season vs. St. Georges in an interesting non conference match up. William Penn should be right at the top again this season.
Delcastle- 2-8 last year after 3 consecutive 1-9 seasons. They'll have a new coach with Mike Lemon leading the way. Ahmere Dorsey returns for the Cougars after scoring double digits in touchdowns as a junior. Non-conference schedule includes Smyrna and Poly tech.
Concord- 7-3 last year with a first round playoff loss to St. Mark's. Concord lost 21 seniors to graduation but they do have DI prospect LB Avery Roberts returning. The Raiders always seem to be a team in the mix and this year will probably be no different.
Mount Pleasant- 5-5 last season playing in Flight B. Last winning season was in 2009 when they went 6-4. Tough transition into Flight A this year.
Middletown- 8-2 last year ending with a loss in the state championship to William Penn. Last season was a supposed rebuilding year for the Cavaliers and with only 7 seniors they made it all the way to the finals. Expect this years team to be even better. Non-conference games against CR and Salesianum will be tough.
Appo- 2-8 last season after going 1-9 the previous year. Things will get better at Appo but I don't think they are ready to challenge the top of the conference just yet. Non-conference games against Poly Tech and Smyrna round out their schedule.
Newark- 6-4 last season. The Yellowjackets started last season 6-1 but lost their final 3 games costing them a chance to return to the playoffs for the 1st time since 2011. Standout QB Ben Campbell is gone but Newark does return a good group of players. The strength of this team should be up front on the line of scrimmage. Newark opens the season on 9/11 at St. Mark's. They also face long time rival Glasgow in their other non conference game.
Predicted order of finish
1. Middletown
2. William Penn
3. Concord
4. Newark
5. AI DuPont
6. Delcastle
7. Appo
8. Mount Pleasant
9. Charter