For The Dialog
CLAYMONT — Archmere ended the 2015 football season as one of the hottest teams in the state, winning its last five games to finish at 6-4. The Auks just missed out on a Division II playoff berth.
The Auks want to start this season fast and qualify for the playoffs. This won’t be easy as they have a tough schedule, and they have to replace quarterback Chris Dewees. The good news is they bring back running backs Patrick Udovich and Daniel Bark behind a great offensive line. Udovich, a senior, says Archmere will be a different offense this year.
“We are going to be a run-based team as Daniel Bark and I get to run behind stud lineman, but I think our pass game will be strong with wide receiver Mark Dombrowski back,” he said.
Junior Joseph DiGregorio will take over at the quarterback position, and he has had a great camp. He will have to be ready early as the Auks open against defending Division II champion Howard on Sept. 10. The Auks schedule is tough, and Udovich likes it this way.
“If you want to be the best you have to beat the best. I don’t think we have any cupcake games so we have to come out ready to play,” he said.
Dombrowski sees things this way: “We should look at week-to-week and try and go 1-0 every week.”
The Auks’ defense came alive in the second half of the season last year and they look to have a great season with the defensive line and linebackers back. Archmere is ready for the 2016 season and will work hard in every game as they attempt to get back to the postseason.
The Auks schedule includes rivals St Mark’s and St Elizabeth, along with powerhouses Caravel and Delmar. Dombrowski thinks the Auks are ready to go.
“I’m confident in our team. We had a great summer lifting and I feel we are in great shape,” he said.
The Auks will take the field with a new coach as well. Longtime assistant John Bellace has assumed the head coaching duties.
09/10/16 Sat HOWARD 2 pm
09/17/16 Sat BRANDYWINE noon
09/24/16 Sat @ Tatnall noon
09/30/16 Fri @ St. Mark’s 7 pm
10/08/16 Sat CARAVEL 3 pm (Homecoming)
10/15/16 Sat DELMAR noon
10/22/16 Sat @ Conrad 11 am
10/29/16 Sat @ Academy of New Church (PA) noon
11/05/16 Sat DELAWARE MILITARY ACADEMY 2 pm
11/12/16 Sat @ St. Elizabeth 7 pm
