DIAA Championship Weekend Delivers Unforgettable High School Football Triumphs
December 2, 2024
DIAA Championship Weekend: Dramatic Overtime Wins and Dominant Performances Define High School Football Finals
Dover, DE — Delaware high school football fans were treated to an unforgettable championship weekend filled with thrilling comebacks, last-minute heroics, and dominant performances. The DIAA Class 1A, 2A, and 3A title games showcased the resilience and talent of the state’s top programs, cementing legacies and creating new champions.
Middletown Stuns Defending Champion Salesianum in Overtime Thriller
In the Class 3A Championship, the Middletown Cavaliers orchestrated a stunning second-half comeback to dethrone defending champion Salesianum in a 30-27 overtime victory. The Cavaliers overcame a 24-6 halftime deficit, showcasing grit and determination in a game that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in recent history.
Middletown Wide receiver William Garrett (2) attempts to catch the pass as Salesianum defensive back Aiden Lego (23) defends during a DIAA Class 3A State Championship game between #1 Sallies and #3 Middletown Friday, Nov. 29, 2024; at Alumni Stadium on the campus of Delaware State University in Dover, Del. Photo By Saquan Stimpson
Salesianum dominated the first half with quarterback Brady McBride throwing touchdown passes to Vernol Gary and Noah Micks. Odell Teel added a rushing score, while Sebastian Hess contributed a field goal. Middletown, however, came alive in the second half. Quarterback Derian Cunningham led the charge, connecting with Darius Pope for two touchdowns and relying on the relentless ground game of Hanif Miller and Makai Walker.
In overtime, Salesianum managed a field goal, but Middletown sealed the victory with a game-winning touchdown, ending the Sals’ hopes for a repeat title and bringing the Cavaliers their well-earned championship.
Indian River’s Hook-and-Lateral Stuns Tatnall for Class 1A Title
At Abessinio Stadium, the Class 1A Championship saw Indian River edge Tatnall in a nail-biting 47-45 victory, thanks to a jaw-dropping 51-yard hook-and-lateral play in the final minutes. Dylan Grise, Indian River’s star quarterback, delivered an MVP-worthy performance with over 300 passing yards and five total touchdowns.
Tatnall’s quarterback Quinn deViere throws a pass during a quarterfinals DIAA 1A Football State Tournament game between Tatnall and Saint Elizabeth’s Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Tatnall high school in Wilmington, Del. Photo By Sean Holmes
Tatnall’s Quinn deViere matched Grise’s brilliance with four touchdown passes, including two to standout receiver Chris Gordon. The Hornets led 17-6 at halftime, but the Indians clawed back with explosive plays from Darnell Stokes and a critical interception return for a touchdown by Nolan Staniszewski.
In the final moments, Indian River’s clever trick play — a lateral from Stokes to Jayvion Chandler — secured the victory, leaving Tatnall stunned and Indian River crowned champions.
Caravel Cruises Past Howard for Back-to-Back Class 2A Titles
The Caravel Buccaneers cemented their dynasty with a commanding 43-6 victory over the Howard Wildcats in the Class 2A Championship, also held at Abessinio Stadium. The Buccaneers’ defense and ground game dominated the second half, turning a close contest into a lopsided affair.
Howard struck first with Xavier Grier’s opening-quarter touchdown, but Caravel responded with scores from Josh Roy and Ira Yates, taking a 12-6 halftime lead. The Buccaneers’ defense, led by James Steel’s stellar performance, including multiple sacks and a blocked punt, stifled Howard’s offense.
Caravel Buccaneers running back Joshua Roy (23) in action during a Class 2A Football Championship game between #1 Caravel Academy and #3 Howard Wildcats Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024; at Abessinio Stadium in Wilmington, Del. Photo By Saquan Stimpson
In the second half, Caravel capitalized on turnovers, with Yates adding another touchdown and Tisyn Witcher recovering a muffed punt for a score. The Buccaneers’ relentless pressure forced a fumbled snap late in the game, sealing their dominant victory.
A Weekend of Champions
From Middletown’s heroic overtime triumph to Indian River’s last-minute magic and Caravel’s emphatic domination, DIAA Championship Weekend delivered unforgettable moments. The resilience and talent displayed by Delaware’s high school football teams highlighted the strength of the sport in the state, leaving fans eager for next season’s battles.