Here we are Delmarva football fans; week 10 of the DSN Power Rankings! With week nine in the books, district play in Delaware is heating up while Maryland regular season play has concluded. The Bayside rankings have gone final as the playoffs have arrived. Now, before we get into the full list it’s important to note that Thursday night games DO NOT count towards this week's rankings. With that caveat out of the way, let’s go over the algorithm that determines where the teams start the week. 

Part 1

• A team loses 2 DSN points after losing to a team below .500

• A team loses 0 DSN points after losing to a team .500 or better

• A team receives 1 DSN point after defeating a team below .500

• A team receives 3 DSN points after defeating a team .500 or better

Part 2:

• A team receives an additional 1 DSN point for a road victory

• A team receives 2 DSN points after defeating a DSN Top 5 team

• In the event of a tiebreaker, the team with the higher margin of victory will get the higher seed.

• If two teams have the same margin of victory, the team with more points scored on the season will get the higher seed.

Part 3 (the additional rules):

• A team receives 0 DSN points after defeating a 1-A level team

• A team receives 1 DSN point after defeating a 2-A level team

• A team receives 2 DSN points after defeating a 3-A level team

• If a team loses to a team in their class, they lose 0 DSN points

• If a 2-A team loses to a 1-A team, that team loses 2 DSN points

• If a 3-A team loses to a 2-A team, that team loses 2 DSN points

• If a 3-A team loses to a 1-A team, that team loses 4 DSN points

Now with the rules explained, let’s reveal the power rankings for the Henlopen.

10. Indian River Indians (8) DSN Points (4-4)

Last Week Result: 13-8 defeat to Sussex Tech 

Indian River is the first team in our top 10 rankings, but do have their four game winning streak snapped in a low-scoring affair with Sussex Tech. Brennan Loose had the lone touchdown in the first quarter, but the Ravens defense held the Indians scoreless the rest of the way. This loss damages Indian Rivers' chance at the 2A state playoffs, but can still stay alive if they can beat Delmar this week and Lake Forest at home the week after. 

9. Laurel Bulldogs (9) DSN Points (3-5)

Last Week Result: 44-6 defeat to Lake Forest

Laurel dropped its fourth consecutive game at home to Lake Forest marking an 0-4 start and severely damaging their playoff hopes. However, the Bulldogs are just a few points behind Odessa and Tower Hill which means that losses from each of those teams could potentially give Laurel a chance to sneak in should they win out. They’ll look ahead to a 7-1 Sussex Tech whom the Bulldogs beat last year then Delmar in the regular season finale. 

8. Woodbridge Blue Raiders (10) DSN Points (3-5)

Woodbridge got right back in the win column by defeating Delmar 35-0 marking their first win over the Wildcats since the 2023 season. Quarterback Daulton Mccabe tossed for two touchdowns in the win while the defense forced its second shutout of the season. The Blue Raiders may be a longshot from the DIAA Playoffs, but hope to play spoiler against Lake Forest and Sussex Tech. 

7. Seaford Blue Jays (13) DSN Points (6-2)

Last Week Result: 35-0 win over Washington (MD)

The Reigning 1A state champions got right back in the win column with a shutout of their own to Bayside South, Washington at home. The run-heavy Jays put up over 350 yards on the ground as a team including 132 from Nasir Serpa who also added a touchdown of his own. K’Marion Hall and Ty’aire Buffalo also tagged-team on a blocked punt with Hall returning for a touchdown. Now, the 1A-3 title may be a longshot, Seaford is still in a good spot with hosting a playoff game as the fourth seed. Newark Charter can claim the district with a win, but the Jays will have to look ahead to Early College for seeding advantage. 

6. Sussex Tech Ravens (19) DSN Points (7-1)

Last Week Result: 13-8 win over Indian River

Sussex Tech went on the road and made a statement after taking down Indian River and snapping their four game win streak. Eric Wright-McGlotten added the go-ahead touchdown then Jackson York sealed the game with an interception in the end zone to give the Ravens their first win in Dagsboro since 2015. The Ravens should have enough to get into the postseason, but they’ll need to ensure they can secure a home playoff game with wins over Laurel and Woodbridge.

5. Sussex Central Golden Knights (22) DSN Points (5-3)

Last Week Result: 20-19 defeat to Caesar Rodney

Sussex Central fell in a game that went down to the wire against a gritty Caesar Rodney team. The Golden Knights found themselves down early, but back-to-back touchdowns including a fumble returned by Daniel Hampton. However, a go ahead touchdown and clock management by the Riders put the game on ice. Sussex Central currently sits as the 7th seed with 8th seeded St. Georges Tech who are set to face off this week as both teams are pushing for playoff spots. 

4. Caesar Rodney Riders (23) DSN Points (6-2)

Last Week Result: 20-19 win over Sussex Central 

Just like we mentioned above, Caesar Rodney defeated Sussex Central in a gritty defensive battle. Denzel Jones hauled in the go ahead score in the fourth quarter for his second touchdown of the game. Then, the Riders got the ball back and ran out the clock to get back in the win column, also allowing them to move up from fifth. Defeating a top-5 DSN Team and one above .500 gives CR much needed bonus points allowing them to jump. They hit the road to face Cape who sits right in front of them in the 3A standings. 

3. Lake Forest Spartans (24) DSN Points (7-1)

Last Week Result: 44-6 win over Laurel

Make it six straight wins for Lake Forest after another AJ White masterclass. The senior fullback now has over 1,000 yards on the ground, 18 touchdowns and recorded his 6th game with multiple touchdowns. The Spartans winning on the road against a team in their class was enough to put them up a spot, especially after a loss by Sussex Central; just one point decided between Lake, CR, and Central. Lake now controls their own destiny and can lock up their district title with a win over a scrappy Woodbridge team. 

2. Cape Henlopen Vikings (31) DSN Points (7-1)

Last Week Result: 28-7 win over Dover

Cape Henlopen got yet another win in 3A and currently sit at 3rd in the 3A bracket behind Middletown and Smyrna whom the Vikings fell to two weeks ago. Jameson Tingle accounted for three of the four touchdowns scored and even had an interception on defense. This has been the best start so far since Jameson Tingle took over at quarterback and the most wins since that state title run in 2023. Cape can secure a home playoff game if they can defeat a tough Caesar Rodney team who has emerged as another top threat in 3A.

1. Smyrna Eagles (36) DSN Points (7-1)

Last Week Result: 54-0 win over St. Georges Tech

Smyrna has been rolling this season and it has shown through both sides of the ball. The Eagles went on the road to take down a tough St. Georges Tech team thanks to a 4-touchdown performance by Drew Marks. As a defense, the Eagles had three sacks and even forced three turnovers; their third time with more than one forced turnover all season. After a Salesianum loss to Middletown, the Eagles can now clinch their district with a win over Dover. 

Remaining Team Rankings:

11. Polytech Panthers (6) DSN Points (5-3)

Last Week Result: 21-19 win over Odessa

12. Milford Buccaneers (6) DSN Points (4-4)

Last Week Result: 45-26 defeat to Saint Mark’s

13. Dover Senators (5) DSN Points (2-6) 

Last Week Result: 28-7 defeat to Cape Henlopen

14. Delmar Wildcats (-2) DSN Points (2-6)

Last Week Result: 35-0 defeat to Woodbridge

15. Williams College Hornets (-4) DSN Points (2-7)

Last Week Result: 63-0 defeat to Newark Charter

Now, we flip to the Bayside where the rankings have gone final for the season:

10. Kent County Trojans (2) DSN Points (4-4)

Last Week Result: 48-8 defeat to Snow Hill

Kent County returns to the top-10 after Colonel Richardson fell to North Caroline. The Trojans had their work cut out for them when they had -5 DSN Points, but a three game win streak got the Trojans out of the negatives. Albeit, all sub-.500 teams, but the Trojans still notched their most wins in a season since 2019. Kent County hits the road to face Patuxent in search of their first playoff win since 2016.

9. Queen Anne’s Lions (5) DSN Points (2-7)

Last Week Result: 28-14 defeat to Kent Island

Queen Anne’s fell to Kent Island to finish 2-7 in the regular season. The Lions had some bright spots in the second half with a Hunter Kelly touchdown and rallied to pull within 14, but turnovers and early mistakes halted the Lions from making a comeback. Queen Anne’s still sits at ninth thanks to their last win to James M. Bennett where a road win over a 3A team gave them some bonus points. The Lions take the trip across the bridge for their opening round matchup at Calvert.

8. North Caroline Bulldogs (7) DSN Points (3-6)

Last Week Result: 25-6 win over Colonel Richardson

North Caroline ended their regular season on a high note defeating Colonel Richardson and forcing 3 turnovers. 4 different Bulldogs scored a touchdown including two by Chris Lagman who also finished with over 100 yards on the ground as the Bulldogs finished with over 300 yards on the ground as a team. North Caroline does have its work cut out for traveling on the road to face top-seeded Largo this Friday.

7. Parkside Rams (14) DSN Points (5-4)

Last Week Result: 42-12 defeat to Stephen Decatur 

Parkside fell to 3A Stephen Decatur in forgettable fashion, but still headed into the postseason with a winning record. The Rams 5-4 record is the most wins since 2019 and their first winning season since the 2020 COVID year where they finished 4-3. The Rams may miss out on hosting a playoff game in 2A, but can go on the road and face a Frederick Douglass team that just fell to Gwynn Park by a wide margin. Kickoff is set for Friday at 6pm.

6. Snow Hill Eagles (15) DSN Points (6-3)

Last Week Result: 48-8 win over Kent County

Snow Hill finished their regular season with 6 wins which is their most wins in a season since 2012. AyJion Manuel was the driving force scoring four total touchdowns and over 100 rushing yards. Zyaire Collins returned a fumble for a touchdown and had two sacks in an all around dominant win on both sides of the ball. The Eagles are still in search of their first playoff win since 2007, but can break that streak with a promising home matchup against Colonel Richardson; a team they defeated in overtime earlier in the season. 

5. Kent Island Buccaneers (16) DSN Points (5-4)

Last Week Result: 28-14 win over Queen Anne’s 

For the 19th straight season, Kent Island has finished with a winning record EXCLUDING the shortened 2020 COVID year. Colton Starlings connected with Savion Keene in the end zone for his lone touchdown of the game against his former team in Queen Anne’s. The defense forced three turnovers and dominated the first half in the win. The Bucs also clinched a home playoff game hosting Southern-AA as the Bucs aim for their first playoff win in the Trent Jackson era.

4. Cambridge-South Dorchester Vikings (17) DSN Points (5-4)

Last Week Result: 40-0 defeat to Easton

The Vikings fell to Easton in a game where nothing went right for them. The offense was stagnant all game and even gave up an early safety that eventually put the game out of reach and even dropped the Vikings out of the second seed of the 1A East Region to Snow Hill. Although the Vikings did drop, they still finished with an undefeated record in 1A play and still clinched a home playoff game in the opening round where they will host Bohemia Manor. 

3. Wicomico Tribe (23) DSN Points (7-2)

Last Week Result: 35-0 win over James M. Bennett

For the second straight season, Wicomico cruised past the Clippers and finished with a 7-2 record in regular season play. The Tribe also swept the Salisbury City Rivalry for the third consecutive season. Landon Roache threw for four total touchdowns including two to Kaileb Tilghman who also returned a punt for a touchdown. The Tribe now hosts a playoff game for the second straight season where they face Crossland from Prince George’s County. The Cavaliers travel to Salisbury with a 4-5 record with a 6pm kickoff. 

2. Stephen Decatur Seahawks (34) DSN Points (8-1)

Last Week Result: 42-12 win over Parkside

Stephen Decatur goes into the 3A playoffs with one loss for the second straight season and holds the second seed in the South region. In the 42-12 win over Parkside, Chase Magnelli threw for three touchdowns and had no turnovers while the defense forced three turnovers. The Seahawks have been dominant on both sides of the football which is crucial for a 3A championship run. They host South River who comes in at 2-7, but have had multiple one-score losses; kickoff is slated for 6pm.

1. Easton Warriors (40) DSN Points (9-0)

Last Week Result: 40-0 win over Cambridge-South Dorchester

Easton finishes the regular season atop of the Bayside rankings and their first undefeated season for the first time in over three decades. In the 40-0 win over C.S.D., the Warriors had 37 points in just the first half. Jordan Horsey had eight tackles with one for loss and forced a safety in another dominant win. Easton heads into the postseason with a first round bye, but will await their opponent in the 2A/1A East Region semifinals.

Remaining Team Rankings:

11. Colonel Richardson Colonels (1) DSN Point (2-7)

Last Week Result: 25-6 defeat to North Caroline

12. Washington Jaguars (0) DSN Points (2-6)

Last Week Result: 35-0 defeat to Seaford (DE)

13. James M. Bennett Clippers (-22) DSN Points (1-8)

Last Week Result: 35-0 defeat to Wicomico