The first regular season of the new 3-tier era has ended and while there's still some debate about whether it's a good idea or not, it's definitely been interesting to follow. The 2A and 3A playoffs kick off this weekend and while there isn't a lot intrigue surrounding most matchups, you still have to be wary of potential upsets.
2A
No. 5 DMA vs. No. 12 Concord - DMA was rolling all the way up until the regular season finale against Archmere, and Concord's loss to Brandywine cost them a bye most likely. Look for the Seahawks to take that out on a Raider program that has seen better days. Seahawks 31, Raiders 7
No. 6 Delmar vs. No. 11 Newark - Delmar is one of those teams who always seems to rise to the occasion in late November, so this could be the start of another state championship run. Newark has benefitted from the move down, but that long bus ride to the Delmarva border plus a talent gap does not look favorable for the Yellowjackets. Wildcats 28, Yellowjackets 10
No. 7 Tower Hill vs. No. 10 Sussex Tech - One of two wildcards in the 2A region first round - the Hillers and the ancient single wing will look to hold off a Ravens team that has also benefitted from redistricting and has played much better ball in recent weeks. Once again, the bus ride could be a factor and with the wind whipping and a chill in the air, expect this game to be won on the ground. Hillers 20, Ravens 14
No. 8 St. Mark's vs. No. 9 Howard - The two-time defending Division II state champion Wildcats have had a down year because of inexperience on the line and injuries at skill positions. St. Mark's was expected to be a contender but has not met expectations. Both of these teams could use the win not just for the sake of moving on to the next round, but a momentum boost for next season. One of only two games the entire weekend I can see going either way. Spartans 28, Wildcats 24
3A
No. 6 Sussex Central vs. No. 11 Caesar Rodney - Less than 15 years ago, this was a Division I championship game. Now it's...something else. The Riders have fallen on hard times while the Golden Knights have found the new alignment a tough adjustment. Still, Central's defense and overall talent should be enough to get them to the Ab next weekend for a date with Sallies. Golden Knights 24, Riders 8
No. 7 Appoquinimink vs. No. 10 Cape Henlopen - The Jaguars have struggled with consistency, but not effort. They meet a Cape team who has the same make-up: Not a lot of wins, but plenty of toughness. Still think Appo has what it takes to move on, even if it means facing Middletown next. Jaguars 32, Vikings 20
No. 8 William Penn vs. No. 9 Hodgson - Penn has shown flashes of brilliance, but turnovers have been their undoing at the most inopportune times of big games. The Silver Eagles are young and figuring out their way back into the swing of things after a really good run of success and a D-1 state title in 2019. Penn's athleticism and big play capability have me calling this one for the Colonials. Colonials 35, Silver Eagles 18
2A
No. 5 DMA vs. No. 12 Concord - DMA was rolling all the way up until the regular season finale against Archmere, and Concord's loss to Brandywine cost them a bye most likely. Look for the Seahawks to take that out on a Raider program that has seen better days. Seahawks 31, Raiders 7
No. 6 Delmar vs. No. 11 Newark - Delmar is one of those teams who always seems to rise to the occasion in late November, so this could be the start of another state championship run. Newark has benefitted from the move down, but that long bus ride to the Delmarva border plus a talent gap does not look favorable for the Yellowjackets. Wildcats 28, Yellowjackets 10
No. 7 Tower Hill vs. No. 10 Sussex Tech - One of two wildcards in the 2A region first round - the Hillers and the ancient single wing will look to hold off a Ravens team that has also benefitted from redistricting and has played much better ball in recent weeks. Once again, the bus ride could be a factor and with the wind whipping and a chill in the air, expect this game to be won on the ground. Hillers 20, Ravens 14
No. 8 St. Mark's vs. No. 9 Howard - The two-time defending Division II state champion Wildcats have had a down year because of inexperience on the line and injuries at skill positions. St. Mark's was expected to be a contender but has not met expectations. Both of these teams could use the win not just for the sake of moving on to the next round, but a momentum boost for next season. One of only two games the entire weekend I can see going either way. Spartans 28, Wildcats 24
3A
No. 6 Sussex Central vs. No. 11 Caesar Rodney - Less than 15 years ago, this was a Division I championship game. Now it's...something else. The Riders have fallen on hard times while the Golden Knights have found the new alignment a tough adjustment. Still, Central's defense and overall talent should be enough to get them to the Ab next weekend for a date with Sallies. Golden Knights 24, Riders 8
No. 7 Appoquinimink vs. No. 10 Cape Henlopen - The Jaguars have struggled with consistency, but not effort. They meet a Cape team who has the same make-up: Not a lot of wins, but plenty of toughness. Still think Appo has what it takes to move on, even if it means facing Middletown next. Jaguars 32, Vikings 20
No. 8 William Penn vs. No. 9 Hodgson - Penn has shown flashes of brilliance, but turnovers have been their undoing at the most inopportune times of big games. The Silver Eagles are young and figuring out their way back into the swing of things after a really good run of success and a D-1 state title in 2019. Penn's athleticism and big play capability have me calling this one for the Colonials. Colonials 35, Silver Eagles 18
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