As the calendar turns to the first full weekend of October, the games on the local high school and college football schedule seem to get a little bigger.

More downstate teams are playing games within their own district now as programs start to position themselves for DIAA state tournament berths. 

The games are also getting more important for the University of Delaware, which heads to William & Mary for the first time in six seasons.

Andy Walter, Delaware State News: 47-15
Tim Mastro, Delaware State News: 47-15
Glenn Frazer, 302 Sports: 48-14

Thursday’s games

Sussex Central (3-1) at Milford (2-3), 7 p.m.

Coming off its first loss, Central looks to bounce back vs. a Milford team that’s lost three straight.

AW: Central, 35-7; TM: Central, 35-14; GF: Central, 42-0.

Laurel (4-0) at Woodbridge (1-3), 7 p.m.

The unbeaten Bulldogs get a chance to avenge one of the only two losses they suffered last season.

AW: Laurel, 41-12; TM: Laurel, 38-14; GF: Laurel, 35-18.

Friday’s games

St. Elizabeth (4-0) at Indian River (2-2), 6 p.m.

Indian River puts its two-game winning streak on the line against one of Class 1A’s top teams.

AW: St. Elizabeth, 28-14; TM: St. Elizabeth, 20-10; GF: St. Elizabeth, 28-20.

First State Military (1-4) at Dickinson (1-3), 6 p.m.

After notching their first victory a week ago, the Bulldogs would love to make it two wins in a row.

AW: FSMA, 27-8; TM: FSMA, 21-6; GF: FSMA, 27-14.

Appoquinimink (2-2) at Dover (4-1), 7 p.m.

Riding a four-game winning streak, Senators have to contend with the Jaguars, who are allowing only 12 ppg.

AW: Dover, 17-14; TM: Dover, 28-20; GF: Dover, 20-14.

St. Georges (1-3) at Smyrna (3-1), 7 p.m.

The Eagles’ defense has posted back-to-back shutouts and has allowed only 21 points all season.

AW: Smyrna, 28-0; TM: Smyrna, 28-6; GF: Smyrna, 30-6.

Sussex Tech (2-3) at Brandywine (0-4), 7 p.m.

Following a big victory over Lake Forest last week, Ravens get a chance to get to the .500 mark.

AW: Sussex Trech, 28-6; TM: Sussex Tech, 34-14; GF: Sussex Tech, 28-6.

Red Lion Christian (2-2) at Early College (0-4), 7 p.m.

Red Lion is coming off a shutout of Milford while the Hornets have scored only 12 points this year.

AW: Red Lion, 31-0; TM: Red Lion, 35-6; GF: Red Lion, 34-0.

Cape Henlopen (2-2) at Delmar (2-2), 7:30 p.m.

The Vikings will try to cool down a Delmar team that’s scored 76 points over its last two contests.

AW: Cape, 28-24; TM: Cape Henlopen, 24-21; GF: Cape, 20-18.

Caesar Rodney (0-5) at Salesianum (3-1), 7:30 p.m.

Winless Riders make the trip to Wilmington but Sallies doesn’t plan on giving them a warm welcome.

AW: Sallies, 35-0; TM: Sallies, 38-6; GF: Sallies, 27-0.

Saturday’s games

Lake Forest (3-1) at Newark (3-1), 11 a.m.

Rebounding from their first loss won’t be an easy task for the Spartans vs. the rejuvenated ‘Jackets.

AW: Newark, 22-18; TM: Newark, 28-24; GF: Newark, 24-22.

Polytech (1-3) at Wilmington Charter (4-0), 11 a.m.

The Panthers face a Force program that has been thriving against Class 1A competition this season.

AW: Polytech, 16-13; TM: Charter, 35-21; GF: Charter, 27-20.

College

Delaware (3-0 CAA, 5-0) at William & Mary (1-1 CAA, 4-1), 3:30 p.m.

No. 6 Blue Hens face a big road test vs. the No. 16 Tribe, who would love to knock them off for homecoming.

AW: Delaware, 34-21; TM: Delaware, 28-24; GF: UD, 24-20.