CLAYMONT – With several members of the 2006 Auks football team in attendance, Archmere opened its 2026 season in winning fashion, overwhelming St. Elizabeth, 50-0.
The Auks recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff deep in St. Elizabeth territory, but the Vikings forced a turnover on downs on a big stop by Dom Carucci (St. Elizabeth Parish). After forcing a punt, however, Archmere wasted no time in getting to the end zone. Quarterback Shane Harding took the ball 52 yards on the only play of the drive, and he added the two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead.
The Auks built the lead throughout the first half, wearing down the undermanned Vikings, with the heat and injuries taking a toll on the small roster. Noah Blessington (St. Mary Magdalen Parish) scored on a 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and the Auks scored four more in the second. That included a 56-yard punt return by Jack King and a 55-yard pass from Harding to Jack Shahan.
Harding threw for 75 yards and rushed for 92 in his first varsity start at quarterback. Ronin Girard led the defense with 10 tackles. Archmere (1-0) travels to Saint Mark’s on September 18 at 7 p.m., the first of three straight on the road.
St. Elizabeth (1-1) will host Wilmington Charter on September 18 at 7 p.m. at Abessinio Stadium in their home opener.
Photos by Mike Lang.
