By Andy Walter

NEWARK — Joshua Devonish knew there wasn’t going to be anything easy about playing in a fledgling football program like Early College’s.

The youngster, though, was intrigued by the idea of being part of something brand new.

“I liked it,” said Devonish. “You’re part of history. The first win ever. You’ve got all the records that won’t last long.

“I want them to be broken. I’m glad to be part of something that’s building.”
This week Devonish is accomplishing another milestone for the Dover school.

The Magnolia resident is the first Early College player to take part in the Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game. The 68th edition of the contest is set for Friday at 7 p.m. in Delaware Stadium.

Devonish, who was a second-team All-Class 1A receiver as a junior, said the honor means a lot to him.

“It feels great,” he said. “It’s nice to be part of history. I know I won’t be the last.

“There’s only one first and I’m glad I’m the first one.”

The Hornets got off to a good start in the fall, posting the first victory in the three-year-old program’s history in their season opener.

But Early College had to forfeit its final two games because it didn’t have enough available players.

That was a difficult thing for Devonish and the other seniors on the squad.

“It was really tough for me as a kid who’s been playing football since he was six,” said Devonish. “All I wanted to do was finish my senior season. But there’s lessons in life, you’ve to get over it.

“But it was hard,” he added. “We have a high GPA standard (to be eligible for sports). It was rough. .... It was a hard time knowing that we had the talent to play.”

A product of the Caesar Rodney School District before going to Early College High, Devonish said he might try to walk-on at Delaware State.

The Blue-Gold game, though, gives Devonish not only a chance to end his high school career on the field but it’s another opportunity to put Early College on the football map just a little more.

“I want to prove that we’re not a joke,” he said. “People see us as a small school. I’m here to push the standard a little bit.

“People want to leave and go to schools that are doing well,” Devonish added. “But it’s nice to start here and see what your school can do.”

CR’s Jamison joins Gold

Christopher Jamison really wanted to play in the Blue-Gold game all along.

Until a few days ago, though, the Caesar Rodney lineman was on the outside looking in.

But when another player had to drop out, Jamison got his chance to be in the game after all.

On Sunday, Jamison was in Delaware Stadium with the rest of the Gold all-stars for Blue-Gold Media Day.

“It was definitely a goal of mine in the beginning of the year to be a part of it,” he said.

When Riders’ coach Shaun Strickland called Jamison to tell him the spot had opened up, he didn’t hesitate.

“I told him I would be happy to do it,” said Jamison. “I’m glad to be part of a great organization and to share this with the best players in Delaware.

“It’s something that I’ve worked for all year and I’m glad that it happened.“

With Aiden Cain already on the Gold squad, CR now has two players in the game.

Jamison said he had already been working out as gets ready to attend some recruiting camps this summer. At the moment, he’s planning to attend The Hill School (Pa.) in the fall.

After the Riders lost their last two games in the fall, Jamison would love to end his high school career with a victory.

“It would mean a lot,” he said. “It’s always good to end it on a win. I’m just excited for a great week.”

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