St. Francis has played some high-level recent football while making the NCAA FCS playoffs in 2016 and 2022, when it lost a first-round game at Delaware, as Northeast Conference champ.
The Red Flash now faces a different future with the school moving its sports next year to Division III, announced this past spring.
Delaware State’s only concern, however, is present-day St. Francis, with the Hornets visiting Loretto, Pennsylvania, to take on the Red Flash on Sept. 20. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at DeGol Field.
NEW CAREER: Jackson faces tough challenge as DelState football coach
Delaware State (2-1) has surpassed its win total from each of the last two seasons the past two weeks with wins at Alumni Stadium over Albany and Bowie State.
St. Francis (0-3) has lost to FBS teams Louisiana-Monroe 29-0 and Buffalo 45-6 and to Central Connecticut State 31-7 in its NEC opener, when it was doomed by five turnovers.
But this will be a challenge for DSU, which lost 28-17 at home last year to St. Francis.
It begins a stretch of three straight road games for the Hornets, which first-year coach DeSean Jackson suggested is a difficult challenge that will test his team.
“My message [to the team] is simple,” Jackson said, referring to a 35-17 opening night loss at Delaware. “We’re all 0-1 so we have to go even that up. We got another opportunity to go on the road in a hostile environment. [St. Francis] is 0-3. I know they’re going to be swinging for the fences as well.”
How to see
Tickets are $10 and may be purchased before the game at DeGol Field.
How to listen
The game will air on the Heritage Sports Radio Network at hsrn.com.
What’s the weather forecast?
Sunny with a temperature of 75.
Why is this game important for Delaware State?
DSU is seeking its first 3-game win streak since October of 2012.
What is an interesting fact about DSU?
The Hornets are averaging MEAC bests of 282.3 yards per game rushing, which is No. 1 in FCS, and 458.3 yards of total offense, which ranks ninth in FCS.
What’s an interesting fact about St. Francis?
Coach Chris Villarrial and Jackson are two of 15 FCS coaches who played in the NFL. Villarrial was an offensive lineman who played 10 seasons with the Bears and Bills and was All-Pro twice.
What’s the series record?
St. Francis has won three of the four games against Delaware State.
Who is a player to watch for Delaware State?
James Jones gained 100 yards on just eight carries against Bowie State, including a 54-yard jaunt.
Who is a player to watch for St. Francis?
Fifth-year QB Nick Whitfield Jr. has thrown for 1,777 career yards with 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
What does Delaware State coach DeSean Jackson say?
“I just keep reminding my team, to start off the year they had us projected last [in the preseason MEAC poll] so no one’s going to give us nothing. We got to go take everything we want and we got to go earn what we want in the end. We got to go earn our respect.”
What does St. Francis coach Chris Villarrial say?
“They’ve got a lot of weapons. They spread the ball around. This is a team that you got to play four quarters. And obviously they’re flying high right now. They’re playing with a lot of confidence. So we’re going to have to really do our homework and get our attitude ready to defend our home field.”