For The Dialog
CLAYMONT – Archmere hosted defending Division II football state champion Howard on Sept. 10, and it was the Auks who came away with the statement win, 44-16. The team, boosted by its defense and special teams, snagged a win for coach John Bellace in his first game at the helm.
“We know how great a team Howard is,” Bellace said. “We have a lot of respect for them. They jumped on us early last year, so our start was a big focus for us.”
Patrcik Udovich had two blocked punts for the Auks, who converted both for touchdowns and a quick 14-0 lead. Later in the first quarter, Howard had to punt in their own territory, and a bad snap led to a safety and a 16-0 lead at the end of one. The Auks’ ground game was picking up major yards, with three people running the ball. Udovich, Patrick McVey and Dan Bark sliced through defenders all day long, and Bark ended another drive with a 15-yard touchdown run for a 23-0 lead.
The Auks got the ball to start the second half, and a 46-yard run by Bark set up a McVey touchdown run from two yards out. Archmere then forced another punt and drove 40 yards for another touchdown. This time, it was Bark from the three. Bark put the game away with a 71-yard scoring run with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter. The defense was solid the whole game except for a couple late touchdowns. Bellace picked up his first win and was happy with his team effort on a hot afternoon.
“I was extremely proud of the way the guys prepped for this game and the energy they came out with, especially on a day like today,.” he said.
The Auks (1-0) host Brandywine next Saturday at noon. The Wildcats (0-1) travel to St. Georges Tech Saturday for a 10:30 a.m. kickoff.
