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Counting down Delaware's top 15 high school football stadiums. Here are 1 through 5

Kevin Tresolini, Delaware News Journal
·4 min read

High school football season has ended, leaving behind another fabulous fall of intense competition on the field and festive gatherings in the stands.

State champions Salesianum in DIAA Class 3A, Caravel in Class 2A and Tatnall in 1A will certainly have the happiest memories to treasure, along with their students, staff, fans and alumni.

Middeltown's Noah Kracyla waits in the end zone to receive the go-ahead touchdown with 13 seconds to play in the fourth quarter of the Cavaliers' 21-14 win against Smyrna at Cavalier Stadium on Sept. 16, 2022.
Middeltown's Noah Kracyla waits in the end zone to receive the go-ahead touchdown with 13 seconds to play in the fourth quarter of the Cavaliers' 21-14 win against Smyrna at Cavalier Stadium on Sept. 16, 2022.

But so will those who played football or witnessed games from Delmar, Delaware's southernmost sporting outpost, to Archmere up north and everywhere in between.

Visiting a high school football stadium has long been a popular routine for many First State sports fans. They are quite inclined to pack the stands, sit on an adjacent hill or, in a unique tradition preferred by some, collect around the fences that often surround the field.

Whether they had family members or friends who played on that team, marched in the band, cheered from the sideline or simply attended that school, it's the place to be. There are few more popular community gathering sites.

Smyrna's Devin DeMoe (11) watches as the ball falls into his arms to score against Middletown in a 2021 game.
Smyrna's Devin DeMoe (11) watches as the ball falls into his arms to score against Middletown in a 2021 game.

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With that in mind, Delaware Online/The News Journal, where we love doing rankings, has decided to put together a list of the top 15 high school football stadiums in Delaware. This is, keep in mind, the opinion of one, gleaned from a lengthy stint visiting such venues with some influence from colleagues. Differing opinions are welcomed.

Remember though, there is no bad place to watch a high school football game in Delaware. But these are the top five or our 15, with a few honorable mentions:

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The Delmar cheerleaders perform a cheer during Caravel’s 24-14 win over the Wildcats at Francis E. Nunvar Stadium.
The Delmar cheerleaders perform a cheer during Caravel’s 24-14 win over the Wildcats at Francis E. Nunvar Stadium.

5. Frances E. Nunvar Stadium, Delmar

The Wildcats have long played in front of passionate fans from two states at this stadium that literally sits at the edge of Delaware’s southern border with Maryland.

Best recent win for the home team: 29-22 Senior Night against Milford on Nov. 3.

Best player to call it home: Alex Ellis, quarterback/linebacker, 2007-10.

Newark cheerleaders gather before the Yellowjackets' 47-16 homecoming win over McKean.
Newark cheerleaders gather before the Yellowjackets' 47-16 homecoming win over McKean.

4. Butch Simpson Field/Hoffman Memorial Stadium, Newark

The first high school stadium north of the C&D Canal to put up lights at its football stadium in 1987 kicked off a trend. The large seating capacity makes for a great big-game environment with a new set of lights bringing Friday night football back soon.

Best recent win for the home team: 28-22 over eventual DIAA Class 2A runner-up Archmere on Sept. 23.

Best player to call it home: Kwame Harris, offensive line/defensive line, 1996-99.

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Smyrna fans play close attention to the action on the field.
Smyrna fans play close attention to the action on the field.

3. Charles V. Williams Stadium, Smyrna

Smyrna’s recent success has made this one of Delaware’s more crowded and energetic settings, though referees may not appreciate what is also among the more critical audiences. Smyrna’s Regiment in Red band adds to the fanfare.

Best recent win for the home team: 48-0 over Middletown in the 2022 DIAA Class 3A semifinals.

Best player to call it home: Will Knight, running back, 2014-17.

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Middletown Cavaliers quarterback Austin Troyer (10) attempts a pass to during a regular season game between Appoquinimink and Middletown Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at Cavalier Stadium, in Middletown, DE.
Middletown Cavaliers quarterback Austin Troyer (10) attempts a pass to during a regular season game between Appoquinimink and Middletown Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at Cavalier Stadium, in Middletown, DE.

2. Cavalier Stadium, Middletown

Very narrow sidelines allow fans in the stands to feel like they are on top of the action in what has long been one of the state’s premier football locations because of successful teams and community passion frequently leading to overflow crowds.

Best recent win for the home team: 34-7 over Salesianum in the 2022 DIAA Class 3A quarterfinals.

Best player to call it home: Chris Godwin, wide receiver, 2010-13.

Salesianum's L.J. Smith (9) celebrates with the student section after Salesianum's 24-14 win against Middletown in a DIAA Class 3A state tournament semifinal at Abessinio Stadium, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023.
Salesianum's L.J. Smith (9) celebrates with the student section after Salesianum's 24-14 win against Middletown in a DIAA Class 3A state tournament semifinal at Abessinio Stadium, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023.

1. Rocco Abessinio Stadium, Salesianum

Opened at the site of the former Baynard Stadium in 2020, this 5,000-seat modern-day gem provides a big-time atmosphere and results from a $16 million gift from Sallies alum Abessinio. In addition to Salesianum, Wilmington schools Howard and St. Elizabeth are lucky to call it home.

Best recent win for the home team: Salesianum 41-40 over Smyrna on a last-second TD Nov. 17 in the DIAA Class 3A quarterfinals.

Best players to call it home: Quasim Benson (St. Elizabeth), running back/defensive back, 2020-22; Rahsaan Matthews Jr. (Howard), 2020-23; B.J. Alleyne (Salesianum), running back, 2020/2023.

Honorable mention

Wilmington Friends School and St. Andrew's, where there is little seating so most fans stand while in awe of the picturesque, tree-lined surroundings; Cape Henlopen, where a bay breeze is common at Legends Stadium; Glasgow, with neighboring Iron Hill providing a glorious backdrop when the autumn leaves turn.

Have an idea for a compelling local sports story or is there an issue that needs public scrutiny? Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Ranking Delaware high school football stadiums 1 through 5