Archmere Opens 2026 Football Season With Win Over St. Elizabeth

The afternoon was a celebration of both the start of a new season and Archmere football tradition, as members of the 2006 football team were honored during the game and joined the current players and coaches on the field.

Archmere wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. After the Auks’ defense forced a St. Elizabeth punt, quarterback Shane Harding '28 broke free for a 52-yard touchdown run on the first play of the ensuing drive. Harding added the two-point conversion to give Archmere an early 8–0 lead.

The Auks continued to build their lead throughout the first half. Nate Blessington '28 added a 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, followed by four more Archmere touchdowns in the second quarter, including a 56-yard punt return by Jack King '28 and a 55-yard touchdown pass from Harding to Jack Shahan '27.

Harding, making his first varsity start at quarterback, finished with 75 passing yards and 92 rushing yards. On the defensive side of the ball, Ronin Girard '28 led the Auks with 10 tackles.

The shutout capped a strong start to the 2026 campaign and gave Archmere a 1–0 record heading into its first road game of the season.

The Auks travel to Saint Mark’s on Friday, Sept. 18, for a 7 p.m. kickoff. 

The game also offered a meaningful connection between generations of Archmere football. With members of the 2006 team back on campus and current players taking the field, the home opener was a reminder of the tradition and community that continue to shape Archmere football.