For The Dialog
CLAYMONT – Sixth-ranked St. Mark’s scored 28 second-half points to break open a close game and spoil homecoming for the fifth-ranked Archmere Auks, grabbing a 35-7 win on Sept. 30.
Defense dominated the first half, with each forcing a turnover and six combined punts. The Auks’ defense then forced a turnover at the Spartans’ 30 with five minutes left in the first half. St. Mark’s defense buckled down and stopped them on four downs to take over at their own 30. After converting a big third down, quarterback Jelani Bryant hit Victor Marcelo for a 53-yard score and a 7-0 halftime lead.
The Spartans finally got their ground game going on the opening drive of the second half. Andrew Watkins had three nice runs on the drive that culminated with a 12-yard pass to Matthew McGuirk, increasing the lead to 14-0.
An Auks fumble on their first offensive play of the second half gave St. Mark’s the ball at the Archmere 19. Watkins scored three plays later on an 11-yard run for the 21-0 lead. The Spartans’ defense was all over the Archmere offense and forced another punt on the next drive. Watkins took the ball on the first play of the drive for a 50-yard score, increasing the lead to 28-0.
The Spartans added their fifth touchdown on their next drive as quarterback Anthony Poppity hit Cole Balint on a 35-yard strike. A shutout was avoided when Antwyne Scott-Coleman hauled in a 19-yard scoring pass from Joseph DiGregorio in the final minutes.
St. Mark’s improved to 3-1 and will host Mount Pleasant on Friday at 7 p.m. for the school’s homecoming. The Auks (3-1) travel to No. 2 Caravel, also on Friday at 7.
