Tactical Breakdown: Delaware Ground-and-Pound vs. Perimeter Speed
This cross-state Delaware showdown features the Sussex Tech Ravens traveling north to Wilmington to face The Tatnall School Hornets. Sussex Tech brings a physically punishing identity to the field. Operating primarily out of a heavy Wing-T and double-tight end sets, the Ravens want to completely control the time of possession. Their offensive line relies on angle blocking and relentless pulling guards to create massive numerical advantages at the point of attack. Defensively, Sussex Tech utilizes a classic 4-4 alignment, keeping eight defenders near the line of scrimmage and daring opponents to beat them with deep passes on the outside.
Tatnall counters with an athletic, wide-open spread passing attack. The Hornets want to utilize the full 53.3 yards of field width, employing pre-snap jet motion and quick bubble screens to force the heavier Sussex Tech linebackers to run sideline-to-sideline. Tatnall’s quarterback makes rapid reads on RPOs (Run-Pass Options), delivering the ball to dynamic slot receivers before the pass rush can develop. Defensively, Tatnall runs a 4-2-5 structure, using hybrid safeties to provide run support while remaining fast enough to cover the perimeter.
Kickoff: Friday, Sept 11, 2026 (7:00 PM EDT)
Location: The Tatnall School (Wilmington, DE)
Streaming: NFHS Network / Delaware Live Sports
The Trench Warfare and Linebacker Discipline
To defend the Sussex Tech Wing-T, Tatnall’s linebackers must play with flawless eye discipline. If they look into the backfield at the false motion rather than reading the pulling guards, they will be sealed out of the play. The Hornets’ defensive tackles must stay incredibly low, refusing to be pushed backward to keep the linebackers clean. On the other side of the ball, Sussex Tech must generate a pass rush with their front four. If Tatnall’s quarterback sits cleanly in the pocket, he will pick apart the Ravens’ Cover 3 zone with deep crossing routes and seam passes.
Live Scoreboard & Results Update
| Quarter | Sussex Tech (Away) | Tatnall (Home) |
| 1st | 7 | 7 |
| 2nd | 14 | 14 |
| 3rd | 7 | 6 |
| 4th | 7 | 0 |
| FINAL | 35 | 27 |
Scoring Summary:
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Q1: Tatnall opens the scoring with a fast-paced 6-play drive, capped by a 14-yard corner route (PAT Good, 0-7). Sussex Tech responds with a bruising 8-minute drive, punching in a 4-yard fullback dive (PAT Good, 7-7).
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Q2: Tatnall scores on a 42-yard vertical post route (PAT Good, 7-14). Sussex Tech answers with a 22-yard counter-trey run (PAT Good, 14-14). The Ravens add a 12-yard sweep touchdown (PAT Good, 21-14) before Tatnall executes a brilliant two-minute drill, scoring on an 8-yard slant right before halftime (PAT Good, 21-21).
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Q3: Sussex Tech re-establishes the run, scoring on a 35-yard off-tackle power run (PAT Good, 28-21). Tatnall responds with a 65-yard tunnel screen touchdown (PAT blocked, 28-27).
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Q4: Sussex Tech’s defense tightens, forcing a crucial turnover on downs. The Ravens methodically drain six minutes off the clock, finishing with a 2-yard quarterback sneak (PAT Good, 35-27) to seal the hard-fought road victory.
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