Schedule, key matches and outstanding players for the 2024 season

SOUTH YARMOUTH — The Dennis-Yarmouth Dolphins have ambitious goals, which is a good thing. They aren’t backing down from their lofty expectations.

Yes, DY has the talent and pedigree of a program that delivers on those high hopes.

But perhaps what stands out most about this team is that the Dolphins have experience everywhere. Whether at quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line or defense, this roster is packed with players who have been there before and want to go even further.

That’s why, after a 7-4 season, Dennis-Yarmouth feels like anything is possible.

DY offensive lineman AJ Gillespie said, “We want to hang another championship banner right there, just with those. We have no expectations beyond that.”

The Dolphins most recently won at Gillette Stadium in 2011 and 2017, so there is history there, but it was a more recent development that perhaps sparked the development of these Dolphins.

When these seniors were in eighth grade, COVID-19 prevented them from playing together on the youth team. Instead, Dyer coach Chris Marsh had them play on the youth team.

What it meant was more experience at the secondary level.

“This senior class has been together since eighth grade,” Marsh said. “We had some smaller classes before them, so they have a lot of experience between them. They were looking forward to this year, no doubt.”

Star quarterback Jayden Barber has been a starter since his sophomore year. Wide receiver/defensive back Walter Mayo is a four-year starter.

There are examples of that all over this roster, and it has resulted in a team that has been there and done that.

“We played against ninth graders, sophomores and juniors,” Mayo said of that eighth-grade year. “We all had high school experience, a lot more than most people.”

Last year, Barber had a breakout season and is now considered not only one of the best quarterbacks in the Cape but in the state.

In last year’s Division 6 playoffs, DY fought hard against a veteran Salem team but lost 33-27. Salem played at Gillette and DY gained some confidence from that game, knowing that if they can compete there, they can compete with anyone on their schedule.

It hasn’t all been positive. Star wide receiver Peyton Kellett suffered an ankle injury in the summer and the timetable for his return is still up in the air.

However, this is a talented and experienced team, who can’t wait to get the season started.

“Experience is everything,” Barber said. “You get to see the field better. I was nervous in games and you learn a lot of things on the fly. You just get better as a player.”

Coach: Chris Marsh

Last season’s record: 7-4

Dennis-Yarmouth Dolphins 2024 Football Schedule

Week 1: Friday, September 6 vs. Mashpee, 6:00 p.m.

Week 2: Friday, September 13 vs. Somerset Berkley, 6:00 p.m.

Week 3: Friday, September 20 vs. Dighton-Rehoboth, 6:00 p.m.

Week 4: Friday, September 27 vs. Dover-Sherborn, 6:00 p.m.

Week 5: Friday, October 4th vs. Barnstable, 6:00 p.m.

Week 6: Thursday, October 10th in Nantucket, 5 pm

Week 7: Friday, October 18th in Falmouth, 6 pm

Week 8: Friday, October 25th at Durfee, 6:30 pm

Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 28th vs. Nauset, 10am

Key matchups

This is a tough schedule, but Dennis-Yarmouth can handle it as he hopes to accomplish all of his preseason goals. What stands out is the five home games to open the season, starting with one against Mashpee. While it’s a big change, we’re looking a little further ahead as the Dolphins will host Barnstable midway through the season. A year ago, Barnstable won this game 50-16, despite DY actually having a lead in the second quarter. This year’s game figures to be more even, and Barnstable is a decent litmus test for the Dolphins to see how good they are at that point in the season.

Top returning players

Jayden Barber, QB, senior

Walter Mayo, WR/S, senior

James Barnicle, WR/CB, senior year

Peyton Kellett, WR/DB, senior

AJ Gillespie, OT/DT, senior year

Griffin Pratt, OT/DE, senior

Oliver Doto, RB/S, junior

Ryan Arnold, LB, senior

Dylan Campbell, C/LB, Senior

Adam Kurkjian covers high school sports for the Cape Cod Times. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X at @AdamKurkjian.

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Schedule, key matches and outstanding players for the 2024 season

ByS. Jacob

Dennis-Yarmouth Dolphins 2024 Football Schedule

Key matchups

Top returning players

By S. Jacob

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