and Jason Winchell
Up in Claymont, coach Jerry Ambrogi quietly continues with one of the most consistent programs in Delaware at Archmere. The Auks reached the Division II playoffs last season, falling to Friends in the first round. They begin the 2015 campaign Friday night vs. Howard at Baynard Stadium at 7 p.m.
Ambrogi, entering his 15th season as the head coach and his 30th with Archmere, lost a whole bunch of seniors from last year’s squad, “but that’s kind of normal for us here.” He generally fields a veteran team, and the results have been good.
“We’ve been lucky,” he said. “We’ve had five straight years of seven or more wins and three tournament appearances.”
There will be a bit more youth on the field for the Auks in 2015, but Ambrogi is confident in his senior leadership. The team will be small in stature on the offensive line, but there is speed and size in the backfield, a second-year starter at quarterback in Chris Dewees and a speedy receiver in senior Ben Revak.
Dewees said having experience as the starter will pay dividends for the Auks. “It will definitely help. You can tell in practice.”
Revak said he will line up in the slot and also play a bit in the backfield. Fans will notice “a fast-paced offense. We have a lot of speed this year. We’ll probably move the ball really quickly. A lot of throwing. They’re going to see a very versatile offense.”
Dewees, also a senior, missed part of last season because of a shoulder injury. He said the team worked hard all summer because it wants to advance further into the postseason. He said fans should look out for a number of players, including Nick and Pat Udovich, Connor Dannowicz and Daniel Bark.
Archmere will be battle-tested should it reach the playoffs. The Auks have a very tough schedule, including a three-game stretch that includes St. Mark’s at home and road trips to Delmar and Caravel. Ambrogi said he can’t look past any foe, so he is focused on the first one, Howard.
Revak said he wants his team to compete, and if the Auks do make the eight-team playoff field, “we can be really deadly.”
Schedule
Friday, Sept. 11: at Howard, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19: at Brandywine, 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26: Tatnall, noon
Saturday, Oct. 3: St. Mark’s, 2 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 9: at Caravel, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 16: at Delmar, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Conrad, 2 p.m. (Homecoming)
Saturday, Oct. 31: Academy of New Church (Pa.), noon
Saturday, Nov. 7: at Delaware Military, noon
Saturday, Nov. 14: St. Elizabeth, noon
