Wilmington Football League
{{Infobox sports league
| title = Wilmington Football League
| last_season =
| logo =
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| formerly = Wilmington Football Association (1930–1935, 1940–1941)
| sport = American football
| game =
| founded = Sep. 1929
| folded = 1956
| replaced =
| owner =
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| motto =
| inaugural = 1929
| teams = 3–9
| singles =
| country = United States
| venue =
| confed =
| champion = Conrad Alumni
| champ_season = 1955
| most_champs = Defiance Bulldogs (4.5)
| classification = Semi-Pro
| qualification =
| tv =
| sponsor = Huber's Sporting Goods
| investor =
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}}
The Wilmington Football League, also known as the Wilmington Football Association (1930–1935, 1940–1941), was a semi-professional American football league that existed from 1929 to 1956. It was based in Wilmington, Delaware. From 1932 to 1935, the league was split into the Wilmington City Football League and Wilmington Football Association.
Origins
The first known American football league based in Wilmington, Delaware, was called the "All-Wilmington Football League" and operated in 1913.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80990179/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 3, 1913|title=Untitled}} {{Open Access}} Little information is known about it.
File:1922 Wilmington Football Association Schedule.jpg
From 1922 to 1924, another league based in Wilmington, Delaware operated under the "Wilmington Football Association" name. Teams in 1922 included the Seventh Ward Chicks, Parkside, Defiance Academy Bulldogs,{{efn|Possibly the same as the Defiance Bulldogs who played from 1929–.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80635254/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|title=Defiance May Book Grid AttractIon for Saturday|date=December 4, 1922}} {{Open Access}}}} and the St. Mary's Cats.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80634158/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|title=1922 Schedule Wilmington Football Association|date=September 30, 1922}} {{Open Access}} Ben Greenstein, editor for The Evening Journal, was named president.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80657004/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 21, 1923|title=ST. MARY'S PLAYS PARKSIDE FIRST IN 'GRID' LEAGUE}} {{Open Access}} Defiance clinched the 1922 championship by winning 78–0 against Seventh Ward.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80656585/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 13, 1922|title=DEFIANCE WINS WILMINGTON ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP}} {{Open Access}} Seventh Ward left in the second season, bringing the league down to three teams. They set up a six-game schedule, with Defiance winning out again.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80656854/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 21, 1923|title=GRIDIRION LOOP SET FOR GAMES}} {{Open Access}} In a meeting held on September 16, 1924, seven teams planned to join and Ed Fegley replaced Ben Greenstein as league president.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80657572/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening News|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 17, 1924|title=ORGANIZE GRID LEAGUE FOR CITY}} {{Open Access}} Teams who planned to join on September 16 included, the Shamrock A.C.,{{efn|Previously St. Mary's Cats}} Eleventh Ward, Ninth Ward, the Defiance Academy Bulldogs, the South Side-Eden Snappers, Hillside, and the Rockford Yellow Jackets. The Yellow Jackets did not join and were replaced by Parkside; they soon after left and were replaced by the "Hibernians".
File:WFA Championship Trophies 1924.png
By November 17, 1924, the Defiance Bulldogs led the league with a 7–0 record, second was Shamrock, and third was South Side.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80657944/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 17, 1924|title=DEFIANCE ACAD. RETAINS LEAD}} {{Open Access}} A possible deciding game on {{circa}} Dec. 1 between Defiance and South Side was called at 12–12 in total darkness. The teams protested the game and the arbitration board (George N. Boggs, Ben Greenstein (former president), and Joseph D. M'Laughlin) declared that the game would not count, due to errors in the officiating.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80658566/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|date=December 3, 1924|title=GRID LOOP TILT HELD NO-GAME}} {{Open Access}} By week 12 the Defiance Bulldogs (10–1) and South Side-Eden Snappers (10–2) were tied for 1st due to the standings running on points rather than win-loss percentage.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80658610/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 22, 1924|title=DEFIANCE STAYS IN TITLE CHASE}} {{Open Access}} A protest-play-off game was scheduled for January 3 between Defiance and South Side.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80658733/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|date=January 1, 1925|title=TITULAR TILT IN GRID LOOP|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80658800/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=January 2, 1925|title=DEFIANCE-SNAPPER CLASH TOMORROW}} {{Open Access}} The game was postponed due to the field being covered in snow.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80658841/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=January 3, 1925|title=FOOTBALL GAME OFF}} {{Open Access}} A meeting was held between the league officials a few days later.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80658977/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=January 5, 1925|title=Call Meeting to Plan Grid League Closing}} {{Open Access}} The Snappers won a game against Defiance on {{circa}} March 29 in front of 1,200 fans, making another game necessary to decide the league champions.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80659272/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=March 30, 1925|title=SNAPPERS TROUNCE DEFIANCE ACADEMY}} {{Open Access}} Eventually the Shamrock A.C. were in position to play in the league championship and won against Defiance, 25 to 6.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80659513/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=April 13, 1925|title=SHAMROCK COPS FOOTBALL TITLE}} {{Open Access}} The Shamrock A.C. were awarded two championship trophies, one provided by Bottomley and Company, and the other by Norman I. Harris Jewelers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80658497/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 21, 1924|title=GRID TITLE TROPHIES}} {{Open Access}}
Another league named "Wilmington Football Association" was founded in 1925. Shamrock, St. Ann's, St. Anthony's, and Eleventh Ward{{efn|Shamrock and Eleventh Ward were from the previous league, while St. Ann's and St. Anthony's were new.}} were the four teams reported to have joined.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80635114/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 29, 1925|title=FOUR CLUBS IN FOOTBALL LOOP}} {{Open Access}} The third league folded on November 4, 1925, citing financial difficulties, and the inability to find another team after the folding of St. Ann's as causes.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80662214/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 5, 1925|title=FOOTBALL LOOP DISBANDS}} {{Open Access}} A final meeting was held on November 10.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80662113/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 9, 1925|title=Football Loop Meeting Tomorrow}} {{Open Access}}
Season by season
=1929 season=
The league was founded in September 1929.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79396394/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|date=September 27, 1929|title=GRID LEAGUE TO PLAY 30 GAMES|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}} There were six teams in the first season, the Penn-Del A.A., Ninth Ward Ducks, Shamrock Reserves, Polish American Military Alliance (P.A.M.A.), Defiance Academy Bulldogs, and Kentmere Red Sox.
The rankings went on points instead of win-loss percentage. A win was worth two points and a tie was worth one.
The Penn-Del A.A. won the league title after posting an 8–1–1 record, scoring 17 points.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79432550/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|date=December 16, 1929|title=PENN-DEL CAPTURES ASSOCIATION TITLE|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79434124/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|date=December 16, 1929|title=Penn-Del Captures Grid League Crown|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}} It took until the last game of the season, a redo of a disputed game, for the A.A. to be named champions.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79432521/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|date=December 13, 1929|title=GRID LEAGUERS IN TITLE FUSS|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}}
==Results==
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1929 Wilmington Football League standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | Penn-Del Athletic Association{{Dagger}} | 8 | 1 | 1 | .850 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Ninth Ward Ducks
| 6 | 2 | 2 | .700 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Polish American Military Alliance
| 4 | 3 | 3 | .550 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Defiance Academy Bulldogs
| 4 | 5 | 1 | .450 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Shamrock Reserve
| 1 | 6 | 3 | .250 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Kentmere Red Sox
| 1 | 8 | 1 | .150 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington Football League champions.
=1930 season=
Two teams left and two joined for the second season. The Shamrock Reserves and Ninth Ward Ducks left, and were replaced by the St. Mary's Cats and St. Anthony's Catholic Club, known more popularly as, the "Tonies".
Penn-Del won their second consecutive league title, beating the P.A.M.A. on Thanksgiving Day 6–0 for the league championship.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79435325/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|title=PENN-DEL SNARES FOOTBALL CROWN|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79434505/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|title=PAMAS-PENN-DEL CLASH FOR GRID LOOP CROWN|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}} They then played and won against the independent "First Engineers" to be named "Delaware champions".{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79434973/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The News Journal|date=December 8, 1930|title=PENN-DEL SCORES 6-0 VICTORY TO ELIMINATE SOLDIERS FROM TITLE RACE|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}}
==Results==
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1930 Wilmington Football Association standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | Penn-Del Athletic Association{{Dagger}} | 9 | 1 | 0 | .900 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Polish American Military Alliance
| 8 | 2 | 0 | .800 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Defiance Academy Bulldogs
| 4 | 4 | 2 | .500 |
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Mary's Cats
| 2 | 4 | 1 | .357 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Kentmere Red Sox
| 1 | 5 | 2 | .250 |
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Anthony's Catholic Club
| 0 | 5 | 3 | .187 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington Football Association champions.
=1931 season=
Results for the 1931 season have not been found. In mid-September a meeting was held to discuss plans of continuing the league. Representatives from each team were requested. Two other teams, Fort duPont and the Claymont Dragons, also had representatives.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79998342/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|date=September 19, 1931|title=Pilots of Local Grid Teams To Meet Tuesday|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}}
Another meeting was held on September 29 at the Defiance Academy building.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79997600/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|date=September 28, 1931|title=HOPE TO REORGANIZE LOCAL FOOTBALL LOOP|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}}
By December 7, Penn-Del had only one loss with two games remaining and were considered a top team in the state championship race.
In a November 1932 article, it was stated that the "Eleventh Ward team, [were] champions of the 1931 Wilmington Football Association League".{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79401092/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 30, 1932|title=3 MORE ENLIST FOR ARMY SERVICE}} {{Open Access}}
=1932 season=
In 1932 standings, six teams were listed in the "City Football League", the "Tonies", St. Ann's, Eighth Ward, Price's Run, the "Black Diamonds", and Brandywine Hawks.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79999920/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|date=November 19, 1932|title=Three Teams Carded In City Grid Loop|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}} The "Tonies" were league champions.
However, another article stated the top team in the Wilmington Football Association was Eleventh Ward, meaning there were two Wilmington Leagues at the time.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80000941/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|date=November 19, 1932|title=DEFIANCE PLAYS PANTHER ELEVEN|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}} A few days later, an article about Penn-Del, champions in '29 and '30, said they were an independent team. It then described that they would play the Eleventh Ward Whitejackets, champions of the Wilmington Football Association, in a Thanksgiving game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80002049/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|date=November 21, 1932|title=Penn-Del Drops 6-0 Decision To West Chester|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}} Penn-Del won the game, 7 to 0.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80003709/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|date=November 25, 1932|via=Newspapers.com|title=Penn-Del Eliminates Eleventh Ward From Title Race With 7-0 Victory}} {{Open Access}}
In the Wilmington Football Association, there were four teams in the 1932 season, the Eleventh Ward Whitejackets, Defiance Bulldogs, St. Mary's Cats, and the Brandywine Athletic Association.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80003024/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|date=October 24, 1932|via=Newspapers.com|title=Eleventh Ward Downs Brandywine, 13-0; St. Mary's Cats Battle To 6-6 Tie In City Football Association}} {{Open Access}} Defiance and St. Mary's were the two teams from the 1930 season still in the league.
==Results (WCFL)==
Results of the Wilmington City Football League, as of week 8.{{efn|10 weeks were in the schedule. Listed below are the results in the first 8 games; results in the final two are incomplete}}
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1932 Wilmington City Football League standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Anthony's Catholic Club{{Dagger}} | 7 | 1 | 0 | .875 |
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Ann's
| 5 | 0 | 3 | .812 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Eighth Ward
| 4 | 0 | 4 | .750 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Price's Run
| 3 | 1 | 4 | .625 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Black Diamonds
| 3 | 0 | 5 | .687 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Brandywine Hawks
| 1 | 0 | 7 | .562 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington City Football League champions.
==Results (WFA)==
Results of the Wilmington Football Association, as of week 4.{{efn|Listed below are the results in the first 4 games; results in the rest are incomplete}}
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1932 Wilmington Football Association standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | Eleventh Ward Whitejackets{{Dagger}} | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Defiance Bulldogs
| 2 | 1 | 1 | .625 |
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Mary's Cats
| 1 | 2 | 1 | .375 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Brandywine Athletic Association
| 0 | 0 | 4 | .000 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington Football Association champions.
=1933 season=
In the Wilmington Football Association, the Fifth Ward Democrats, Delaware Panthers, and Ninth Ward Ducks, a charter member of the league, all joined.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80056225/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|date=October 21, 1933|title=GRID LOOP TOP ELEVENS CLASH|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}} The Brandywine Athletic Association left, however. The Eleventh Ward Whitejackets clinched their third consecutive league title by week 4.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80056935/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|date=November 27, 1933|title=ELEVENTH WARD WINS TITLE|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}}
In the Wilmington City League, one team left and two joined, bringing the league to 7 teams.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80073880/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|date=October 12, 1933|title=THREE-WAY TIE IN CITY LEAGUE|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}} The Brandywine Hawks left, while the South Side Terrapins and Defiance (not to be confused with the Defiance Bulldogs of the Wilmington Association) joined. The Black Diamonds won the league championship against Eighth Ward,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80074158/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 15, 1933|title=DIAMONDS SEEK GRID LOOP TITLE}} {{Open Access}} winning 13 to 6.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80074017/the-morning-news/|via=Newspapers.com|newspaper=The Morning News|date=November 20, 1933|title=BLACK DIAMONDS WIN LEAGUE TITLE}} {{Open Access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80076033/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|date=November 20, 1933|via=Newspapers.com|title=DIAMONDS NAB DECIDING TILT}} {{Open Access}}
==Results (WFA)==
Results of the Wilmington Football Association, as of week 4.{{efn|Listed below are the results in the first 4 games; results in the others are incomplete.}}
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1933 Wilmington Football Association standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | Eleventh Ward Whitejackets{{Dagger}} | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Delaware Panthers
| 2 | 1 | 1 | .625 |
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Mary's Cats
| 1 | 1 | 2 | .500 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Defiance Bulldogs
| 1 | 1 | 1 | .500 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Ninth Ward Ducks
| 0 | 2 | 0 | .000 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington Football Association champions.
Note: The Fifth Ward Democrats (0–2–1) forfeited their franchise in week 4. The results of their games were removed from the standings.
==Results (WCFL)==
Standings for the 1933 Wilmington City Football League are unavailable.
=1934 season=
In the Wilmington City Football League, four teams left, and one joined, bringing the total to the original number of four. The 1933 champion Black Diamonds left the league as well as Eighth Ward, Defiance, and St. Ann's. The remaining four teams were the South Side Terrapins, Price's Run, St. Anthony's Catholic Club, and the St. Mary's Cats, who joined from the Wilmington Association.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80077261/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 17, 1934|title=Two Games Carded in City Football League}} {{Open Access}} The South Side Terrapins were named champions.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80172277/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|date=November 26, 1934|via=Newspapers.com|title=Terrapins Take City Loop Title}} {{Open Access}}
In the Wilmington Association, the Ninth Ward Ducks left for the second time, the St. Mary's Cats left for the City League, while the Brandywine Athletic Association who left the year prior, joined. Another team that joined were the newly formed "White Eagles". The rules were changed for there to be two championships, one for the first half of the season, and one for the second. In the first half playoffs the "White Eagles" got a bye, while the Brandywine A.A. and Eleventh Ward Whitejackets battled for the remaining spot in the championship. Eleventh Ward advanced, but lost to the White Eagles, 15 to 12.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80107325/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|date=November 5, 1934|title=Eagles Capture Grid Loop Half|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}} The White Eagles won the second half championship as well, winning 2–0 against the Defiance Bulldogs.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80172948/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|date=December 3, 1934|via=Newspapers.com|title=WHITE EAGLES NEW WILMINGTON SEMI-PRO GRID CHAMPIONS}} {{Open Access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80077017/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|date=December 3, 1934|via=Newspapers.com|title=Eagles Sweep Football Title}} {{Open Access}}
==Results (WFA)==
Results of the Wilmington Football Association, first half.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80107893/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 3, 1934|title=Grid Leaguers Meet for Title}} {{Open Access}}{{efn|Playoff results included}}
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1934 Wilmington Football Association standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | White Eagles{{Dagger}} | 3 | 1 | 1 | .700 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Eleventh Ward Whitejackets
| 2 | 2 | 1 | .500 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Brandywine Athletic Association
| 1 | 2 | 1 | .375 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Defiance Bulldogs{{efn|Sometimes called Defiance A.A.}}
| 1 | 2 | 1 | .375 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington Football Association champions (first half).
Results for the second half are unavailable.
==Results (WCFL)==
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1934 Wilmington City Football League standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | South Side Terrapins{{Dagger}} | 5 | 1 | 3 | .722 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Price's Run
| 4 | 2 | 3 | .611 |
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Anthony's Catholic Club
| 3 | 2 | 3 | .562 |
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Mary's Cats
| 0 | 8 | 0 | .000 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington City Football League champions.
=1935 season=
For the first time, the Wilmington Association had no changes, each team stayed. The season started on October 13 with the White Eagles and Eleventh Ward Blue Jackets (previously named Whitejackets) winning by 6 points.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80175146/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 14, 1935|title=Eagles, Jackets Cop Association Opening Games}} {{Open Access}} Eleventh Ward would win the first half championship as well as the second half. In a game to be named "Delaware State champions", the Blue Jackets lost to Fort duPont. They played a game against the Wilmington City League champion Tonies{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80173752/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 13, 1935|title=Tonies-Blue Jackets Will Meet For City Grid Crown}} {{Open Access}} on December 15 and won on a game-winning safety near the end of the fourth quarter.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80179743/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|date=December 16, 1935|title=ELEVENTH WARD CAPTURES CITY FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP}} {{Open Access}} After the Wilmington Association season was over, The News Journal published an All-Star team written by a fan.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80179270/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 7, 1935|title=Football Association Fan Picks His "All" Combine}} {{Open Access}}
In the City League, the St. Mary's Cats left, and the Brandywine Hawks, who had previously had a stint in the league, joined. The "Tonies"{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80179494/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|title=Tonies Out To Win League Title Then State Diadem|date=December 6, 1935}} {{Open Access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80179110/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 2, 1935|title=Tonies Close In On Loop Crown}} {{Open Access}} won the league championship against Price's Run.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80179600/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 9, 1935|title=Tonies Capture City Loop Title}} {{Open Access}} They compiled a record of 7–1–1.
==Results (WFA)==
Results for the 1935 Wilmington Football Association are unavailable.
==Results (WCFL)==
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1935 Wilmington City Football League standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Anthony's Catholic Club{{Dagger}} | 7 | 1 | 1 | .833 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Price's Run
| 5 | 3 | 1 | .611 |
| style="text-align:left;" | South Side Athletic Club{{efn|Previously named "South Side Terrapins"}}
| 4 | 4 | 0 | .500 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Brandywine Hawks
| 0 | 8 | 0 | .000 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington City Football League champions.
=="All-Association" team==
===First team===
- Left End: E. Pennock, Eleventh Ward
- Left Tackle: Lavan, Defiance
- Left Guard: Elliott, White Eagles
- Center: S. Fahey, Defiance
- Right Guard: Cross, Brandywine
- Right Tackle: Malice, Eleventh Ward
- Right End: J. Pennock, Eleventh Ward
- Quarterback: Smith, Eleventh Ward
- Left Halfback: Ziggy, Eleventh Ward
- Right Halfback: Haley, Defiance
- Fullback: Steck, White Eagles
===Second Team===
- Left End: O'Connor, Defiance
- Left Tackle: Lundberg, Eleventh Ward
- Left Guard: Finochi, Eleventh Ward
- Center: Burowski, White Eagles
- Right Guard: Nash, Eleventh Ward
- Right Tackle: Shenton, White Eagles
- Right End: Manista, White Eagles
- Quarterback: Ademski, Defiance
- Left Halfback: Drennen, Eleventh Ward
- Right Halfback: Miske, Eleventh Ward
- Fullback: Koppe, Brandywine
=1936 season=
In September 1936, the Wilmington Football Association and Wilmington City League merged. An article by The Morning News stated that six teams were planned. The Eleventh Ward Blue Jackets, Price Run A.A. (who had absorbed the Brandywine Hawks), Defiance Bulldogs, and Newark were already entered. The Tonies were considered "almost certain" to join, and either Kennett Square or Marcus Hook would get the last spot in the league.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80186384/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 11, 1936|title=FOOTBALL LEAGUE IS REORGANIZED}} {{Open Access}} The White Eagles, Brandywine A.A., and South Side A.C. dropped out.
A second meeting was held the following week. The News Journal reported that Price Run, St. Anthony's, Eleventh Ward, and Defiance had been entered while Newark was "likely" to join and a sixth team was still being sought.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80187794/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|date=September 18, 1936|via=Newspapers.com|title=Grid Loop Still Seeks 2 Clubs}} {{Open Access}}
On September 29, The Morning News reported that "Inability to secure a fourth team will probably result in the disbandment of the Wilmington Football Association for this season.".{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80631435/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|title=Grid Association Unable to Round Out 4-Club Loop|date=September 29, 1936}} {{Open Access}} It also stated that at a meeting on the previous night, only three teams (St. Anthony's "Tonies", Price's Run A.A., and Eleventh Ward Whitejackets) intended to join. A day later the season was called "out of the question" by a Morning News article.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80631497/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|date=September 30, 1936|via=Newspapers.com|title=TONIES-JACKETS TO MEET SUNDAY}} {{Open Access}}
=1937–1939 seasons=
Results for the 1937–1939 seasons have not been found. Though the teams continued, articles would not mention whether or not they were part of the league.
A November 1937 article by The Morning News reported that the Tonies won the "City Grid Crown" after defeating the Eleventh Ward Blue Jackets 7–0.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80632153/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 19, 1937|title=TONIES WIN CITY GRID CROWN}} {{Open Access}}
In 1938, the Eleventh Ward Blue Jackets claimed the city title over St. Anthony's while the Defiance Bulldogs won against the Price Run Raiders for the second class championship.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80672043/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|date=December 5, 1938|title=DEFIANCE WINS GRIDIRON TITLE|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}}
The Tonies won the "state semi-pro title" in 1939, winning 26–6 against Defiance.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80672305/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|title=TONIES ELEVEN HANDS DEFIANCE 26 TO 6 DEFEAT|date=November 27, 1939}} {{Open Access}}
=1940 season=
The league was reorganized in 1940. An article by The Morning News reported that seven teams were entered. They were the Price Run Red Raiders, Parkside, St. Mary's Cats, Brandywine, Fairview Owls, St. Anthony's C. Y. O.{{efn|The "Tonies"}} and St. Joseph's Boy's Club.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80972913/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 25, 1940|title=FOOTBALL LEAGUE TO MEET TONIGHT}} {{Open Access}} Brandywine left the league before the season started, bring the league down to six teams.
Two playoff games were held before the league championship, with Price Run winning 10–6 against St. Joseph's,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80972657/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 2, 1940|title=Price Run Grid Team Reaches League Finale}} {{Open Access}} and St. Anthony's winning against Fairview.{{efn|The first playoff game between St. Anthony's and Fairview ended in a tie, they played again a week later, with St. Anthony's winning. While waiting to see a championship opponent, Price Run played a game against the independent St. Elizabeth Gaels.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80973942/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 3, 1940|title=Runners Battle Gaels Saturday}} {{Open Access}}}}
The Price Run Red Raiders won the league championship, 13–0, against St. Anthony's. It ended a perfect 12–0 season for the Red Raiders, the best ever record by a Wilmington Association team.
==Results==
Results, excluding playoffs.
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1940 Wilmington Football Association standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | Price Run Red Raiders{{Dagger}} | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Anthony's Catholic Club
| 5 | 3 | 1 | .625 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Fairview Owls
| 5 | 4 | 0 | .555 |
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Joseph's
| 4 | 3 | 2 | .555 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Parkside
| 1 | 7 | 1 | .167 |
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Mary's Cats
| 1 | 7 | 0 | .125 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington Football Association champions.
===Playoffs===
{{Round4
|RD1 = Semi-Finals
|RD2 = Championship
|Consol =
|December 8 – Second & DuPont|St. Anthony's{{efn|The two teams had previously played to a tie on December 1}}|6|Fairview|0
|December 1 |Price Run|10|St. Joseph's|6
|December 15 – Wilmington Park|St. Anthony's|0|Price Run|13
}}
=1941 season=
One team left and two joined for the '41 season. The St. Mary's Cats left, while the Wilmington All-Stars and Defiance Bulldogs joined.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80994161/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|date=October 25, 1941|title=Defiance Faces Price Run "11"|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}} The Defiance team was the last original member of the league, as well as only member of the 1922–1924 league still active.
In the playoffs Defiance was matched against Fairview and Parkside against St. Anthony's.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80994126/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 20, 1941|title=Grid League Will Open Title Playoffs Nov. 28}} {{Open Access}} Defiance and Parkside won, leading them to the league championship. In the championship, they played to a scoreless tie in front of "a large crowd".{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80994620/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 8, 1941|title=Defiance, Parkside Battle To Scoreless Tie on Grid}} {{Open Access}} They scheduled another game for the next week. In a very long game, that included eight periods, the teams "called it quits" after another 0–0 tie.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80994748/the-news-journal/|date=December 15, 1941|via=Newspapers.com|title=Grid Finalists To Share Title After Deadlock|newspaper=The News Journal |page=21 }} {{Open Access}} Shortly afterwards, they agreed to be named co-champions rather than "battle the weather for another week to be named champions."
==Results==
Results for the 1941 season are unavailable.
===Playoffs===
{{Round4
|RD1 = Semi-Finals
|RD2 = 1st Championship
|Consol =
|November 28 – Second & DuPont|Defiance|30|Fairview|6
|November 28 – Price Run|Parkside|3|St. Anthony's Catholic Club|0
|December 7|Defiance|0|Parkside|0
}}
{{Round2
|RD1 = 2nd Championship
|December 14 – Second & DuPont|Defiance|0|Parkside|0
}}
=1942–1945 seasons=
Seasons from 1942 to 1945 were cancelled due to World War II.
=1946 season=
The league reorganized again in 1946, renaming itself "Wilmington Football League", rather than Association. Three divisions were planned, the open division, were players of all ages could play, the intermediate division, for players under 16, and the senior division, for players under 19. 24 players were allowed per team. No players could play in the league if they played high school or college at the time.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80999424/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|date=August 28, 1946|title=Recreation Service Now Plans Three-Division Grid League|via=Newspapers.com}} {{Open Access}}
In the first meeting held on September 4, ten teams planned to join. Five of the teams intended to join the open division, Price Run (represented by Paul Coyle), Rodney Rams (represented by John O'Toole), St. Anthony's C. Y. O.{{efn|The "Tonies"}} (represented by Dominic Voly), West Side Indians (represented by William Henry), and Fairview Owls (represented by Frank DiGiacomo). Dominic Voly also submitted an application for St. Anthony's in the senior division and John Leonard applied Price Run in division. "Stapler" (represented by Pete Kindbeiter) and "George Gray Alumni" (represented by Nick Cerasari and Ben Scott) were the teams entered in the intermediate division.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81028031/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 5, 1946|title=10 Clubs Sign With Grid Loop}} {{Open Access}}
The teams that ended up in the open division were the St. Anthony's C. Y. O., Defiance A.A.,{{efn|Previously Bulldogs}} Fairview Owls,{{efn|Renamed VFW 3257 mid-season.}} West Side Indians, Delaware Gypsies, and VFW 615.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81029410/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 18, 1946|title=Defiance, St. Anthony's And VFW 615 Score Wins}} {{Open Access}} Price Run, the Adams Athletic Club, Wilmington Manor, and Happy Valley joined the senior division.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81029699/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 9, 1946|title=Wilmington Football Loop}} {{Open Access}} Teams in the intermediate division are unknown.
In the open division, the Fairview Owls (VFW 3257) won the first half championship before being disqualified in the second half for using an ineligible player. League president Jim Tyler declared that the Defiance A.A. would be named second half champions, replacing Fairview. The Owls protested the decision, claiming that Tyler was not elected president by the teams, and therefore has no power.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80997647/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|title=Off-Sides With Norvin (Rip) Collins|date=December 5, 1946}} {{Open Access}}
In the senior division, Happy Valley and Adams tied for the league lead at the end of the season. A tie-breaker championship was played on December 8 with Happy Valley winning, 13–0. 1,329 fans were in attendance, including City Council President James A. LeFevre and Municipal Court Judge Thomas Herlihy, Jr.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81028237/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 9, 1946|title=Happy Valley Downs Adams To Win Grid League Playoff}} {{Open Access}}
==Results==
Results for the 1946 Wilmington Football League season are unavailable.
===Playoff===
=1947 season=
On August 20, a meeting was held with nine teams being represented.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81031685/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 21, 1947|title=Nine Teams Report For City Football}} {{Open Access}} Nine teams joined the league in the open and senior divisions; teams in the intermediate division are unknown. In the senior division, the only movement was Wilmington Manor leaving. In the open division, the VFW 3257 and VFW 615 left, and were replaced by the Polish Eagles and Cutrona's Market.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81032147/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 20, 1947|title=Defiance, Tonies Remain in Tie}} {{Open Access}}
In the senior division, Happy Valley won the league title.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81592700/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|title=Happy Valley Plays|date=December 13, 1947}} {{Open Access}} The Tonies, of the open division, went undefeated, posting a 9–0–1 record, winning both the first and second half championships.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81032744/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 8, 1947|title=St. Anthony's Wins City Grid Crown}} {{Open Access}}
==Results==
Results of the open division, first half.
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1947 Wilmington Football League standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Anthony's Catholic Club{{Dagger}} | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Defiance Athletic Association
| 3 | 2 | 0 | .600 |
| style="text-align:left;" | West Side Indians
| 2 | 2 | 1 | .500 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Cutrona's Market
| 2 | 3 | 0 | .400 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Delaware Gypsies
| 1 | 3 | 1 | .300 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Polish Eagles
| 1 | 4 | 0 | .200 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington Football League champions.
Results of the open division, second half.{{efn|Note: This standings table is missing 2 games.}}
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1947 Wilmington Football League standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Anthony's Catholic Club{{Dagger}} | 4 | 0 | 1 | .900 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Cutrona's Market
| 3 | 1 | 0 | .750 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Delaware Gypsies
| 2 | 2 | 0 | .500 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Defiance Athletic Association
| 1 | 1 | 2 | .500 |
| style="text-align:left;" | West Side Indians
| 0 | 3 | 2 | .200 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Polish Eagles
| 0 | 3 | 1 | .125 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington Football League champions.
=1948 season=
The league was reorganized on September 2, 1948.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81594038/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=August 28, 1948|title=Wilmington Grid League To Organize on Thursday}} {{Open Access}} At the meeting, the open and senior divisions became the "Eastern" and "Western" Divisions. The Delaware Gypsies and Price Run Red Raiders left, and Lorraine joined.
The Tonies and Polish Eagles won their divisions, and a playoff game for the league championship was then scheduled.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81594259/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 29, 1948|title=City Elevens To Play Sunday For Loop Title}} {{Open Access}} In the championship, at Wilmington Park, the Polish Eagles won 7–0 after a game winning rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81595390/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 6, 1948|title=Polish Eagles To Play Dover}} {{Open Access}} Afterwards the Eagles scheduled a match against the Dover Bulldogs, to be named "state semi-pro champions". They won, 7–0, before a crowd of 2,000 at Wilmington Park.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81631698/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 13, 1948|title=Polish Eagles Win State Semi-Pro Title|author=Hukill, Joe}} {{Open Access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81631666/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 13, 1948|title=Polish Eagles Outclass Dover For State Title}} {{Open Access}}
==Results==
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1948 Wilmington Football League standings |
| colspan="10" style="background-color: #FFCBCB;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;" | Eastern Division |
|---|
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | Polish Eagles{{Dagger}} | 7 | 3 | 0 | .700 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Lorraine
| 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 |
| style="text-align:left;" | West Side Indians
| 4 | 5 | 1 | .450 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Adams Athletic Club
| 0 | 9 | 1 | .050 |
| colspan="10" style="background-color: #D0E7FF;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;" | Western Division |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
| style="background:#ffc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Anthony's Catholic Club{{double-dagger}} | 7 | 3 | 0 | .700 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Defiance Athletic Association
| 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Cutrona's Market
| 5 | 3 | 2 | .600 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Happy Valley
| 2 | 6 | 2 | .300 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington Football League champions.
{{color box|border=darkgray|#ffc|{{Double-dagger}}}} Won division.
===Playoff===
=1949 season=
A meeting was held on September 6 with W. Frank Newlin elected president and James B. Tyler secretary. The league was sponsored by Park Recreation Department. Teams represented at the meeting included the Adams A. C., Polish Eagles, Cutrona's All-Stars, St. Anthony's, Lorraine, Happy Valley, West Side Indians, and Fairview Owls.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82281502/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 8, 1949|title=Newlin Named President Of Wilmington Grid Loop}} {{Open Access}}
In mid-September another meeting was held with eight teams entering the league. The Polish Eagles, the previous season's champions, left to play independently. Accepted into the league's '49 season were Cutrona's All-Stars, Happy Valley, Fairview Owls, Defiance, Adams A. C., West Side Indians, St. Anthony's, and Lorraine.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82281328/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 16, 1949|title=Wilmington Grid League To Hold Rules Confab}} {{Open Access}}
The Tonies, led by coach Dom Carucci, went undefeated,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82282245/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 7, 1949|title=TONIES CAPTURE GRID LOOP TITLE}} {{Open Access}} posting seven straight victories winning the league title.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82282122/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 25, 1949|title=Tonies to Meet Bulldogs For State Semi-Pro Title}} {{Open Access}} The Tonies then scheduled a match against the Dover Bulldogs to be named "state semi-pro champions". The game, held at 8:30 p.m., November 25, in Dover Park,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82282355/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 25, 1949|title=Dover Bulldogs Battle Tonies Tonight for Semi-Pro Grid Title}} {{Open Access}} was postponed to November 29 after driving rain.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82282610/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 29, 1949|title=Tonies, Dover Play for Title}} {{Open Access}} In the postponed game, the Tonies dominated the Bulldogs, shutting them out 32–0 for the state championship.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82282707/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 30, 1949|title=St. Anthony's Takes Title}} {{Open Access}}
==Results==
Results, as of week 6.
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1949 Wilmington Football League standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Anthony's Catholic Club{{Dagger}} | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Defiance Athletic Association
| 4 | 1 | 1 | .750 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Happy Valley
| 4 | 2 | 0 | .666 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Fairview Owls
| 3 | 1 | 2 | .666 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Lorraine
| 2 | 2 | 2 | .500 |
| style="text-align:left;" | West Side Indians
| 1 | 4 | 1 | .250 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Cutrona's All-Stars
| 1 | 5 | 0 | .166 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Adams Athletic Club
| 0 | 6 | 0 | .000 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington Football League champions.
=1950 season=
In a meeting held on September 12, at Park Board offices, eight teams planned to join. Defending champion St. Anthony's, Happy Valley A. C., Lorraine, Fairview Owls, Defiance, West Side Indians, VFW 615, and Adams A. C. all were represented.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82347643/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 13, 1950|title=Eight Teams Represented At Grid League Meeting}} {{Open Access}} The season was planned to start on October 1, with all games being played on Sundays. On September 20 a meeting was held and one extra team was admitted to the league, the Conrad Alumni.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82347001/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 21, 1950|title=Conrad Alumni Added To City Football Loop}} {{Open Access}} The team was composed of Conrad High School graduates.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12322592/woody-conrad-football-11181950/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 18, 1950|title=Conrad Grads Play Tonight. Taylor Leads City Scoring}} {{Open Access}}
On November 2, Lorraine withdrew from the league after several key players were injured.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82346971/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 2, 1950|title=Lorraine Withdraws From City Grid Loop}} {{Open Access}}
The Defiance A. A. were named champions on December 3 following a victory vs. St. Anthony's, before 1,100 fans.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82746207/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 4, 1950|title=Defiance Noses Out Tonies To Cap Perfect Campaign}} {{Open Access}}
==Results==
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1950 Wilmington Football League standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | Defiance Athletic Association{{Dagger}} | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Conrad Alumni
| 5 | 2 | 1 | .687 |
| style="text-align:left;" | West Side Indians
| 5 | 2 | 1 | .687 |
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Anthony's Catholic Club
| 4 | 1 | 1 | .750{{efn|The league went on points rather than win percentage. A win was worth 2, tie worth 1, and loss worth 0.}} |
| style="text-align:left;" | Fairview Owls
| 3 | 4 | 0 | .428 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Happy Valley
| 2 | 3 | 1 | .416 |
| style="text-align:left;" | VFW 615
| 2 | 5 | 0 | .285 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Adams Athletic Club
| 0 | 6 | 0 | .000 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Lorraine
| 0 | 8{{efn|Includes four forfeits following their withdrawal from the league.}} | 0 | .000 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington Football League champions.
=1951 season=
In meetings held in September 1951, five of the 1950 teams left, and one joined. The only 1950 teams still in the league were St. Anthony's (who joined in the final meeting), Defiance, Conrad Alumni, and West Side Indians. Lorraine, Adams, Happy Valley, VFW 615, and Fairview all left.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82747628/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 20, 1951|title=City Grid League To Begin Sept. 30}} {{Open Access}} The "National Guards" joined.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82748556/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 12, 1951|title=Guards Enter City Football}} {{Open Access}}
The Conrad Alumni, in their second season, clinched the league championship after posting a 7–1 record.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82747342/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 26, 1951|title=Conrad Alumni Capture City Grid League Crown}} {{Open Access}} They then were scheduled to play in the eighth annual "Mushroom Bowl" on Sons of Italy Field at Kennett Square.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82749775/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 4, 1951|title=Conrad Grads Play Sundays In Kennett's Mushroom Bowl}} {{Open Access}} The game, played before 1,200 fans, finished with a score of 0–0.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82749966/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 10, 1951|title=Conrad Alumni Play Tie Game}} {{Open Access}}
==Results==
Results, as of November 26.{{efn|Results may be incomplete.}}
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center"
|+1951 Wilmington Football League standings |
| Team
!width="25"| {{Abbr|W|Wins}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|L|Losses}} !width="25"| {{Abbr|T|Ties}} !width="30"| {{Abbr|PCT|Winning percentage}} |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc;"
| style="text-align:left;" | Conrad Alumni{{Dagger}} | 7 | 1 | 0 | .875 |
| style="text-align:left;" | Defiance Athletic Association
| 4 | 1 | 1 | .750 |
| style="text-align:left;" | National Guard
| 3 | 4 | 0 | .428 |
| style="text-align:left;" | West Side Indians
| 1 | 4 | 1 | .250 |
| style="text-align:left;" | St. Anthony's Catholic Club
| 0 | 5 | 0 | .000 |
{{color box|border=darkgray|#cfc|{{Dagger}}}} Wilmington Football League champions.
=1952 season=
Though in early September the league was considered doubtful to continue, and "appeared headed towards the scrap-pile", it gained four new teams. It brought the league to a record nine squads, including its first two from Pennsylvania. The Marcus Hook A. A. and Kennett Square Crusaders were the two Pennsylvanian teams, joining the also new Claymont A. A. and New Castle Tonies.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83319603/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 18, 1952|title=Wilmington Football League Enrolls 9 Clubs, 2 From Pa.}} {{Open Access}} The league now included the four additions, and five 1951 holdover clubs: the Conrad Alumni, National Guard, Wilmington Tonies, Defiance Bulldogs, and West Side Indians. Around that time the league's president, Frank Newlin, retired, and was replaced by Phil Gordon. Bob Dickerson was named league secretary.
Shortly after the New Castle Tonies joined, the Wilmington Tonies, the second-oldest team in the league and last surviving member of the 1925 Wilmington Football Association, left.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83321941/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 25, 1952|title=Air Base Replaces St. Anthony In Wilmington Football League}} {{Open Access}} The New Castle County Air Base immediately replaced them. Also leaving was the Claymont A. A., before even playing a game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83323210/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 6, 1952|title=Claymont Quits City Grid League}} {{Open Access}}
The season's final regular season game was between the Marcus Hook A. A., and Conrad Alumni, both undefeated. The Marcus Hook team "thumped" Conrad, winning 38–7, capping off an undefeated 7–0 season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12327036/woody-fumbles-11171952/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 17, 1952|title=Marcus Hook '11' Thumps Conrad, 38-7, to Win Title}} {{Open Access}} Afterwards they played the league's all star team,{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83326434/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 29, 1952|title=Grid League All-Stars Meet Marcus Hook Here Tomorrow}} {{Open Access}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83326542/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 22, 1952|title=30 Gridders Picked To Play Marcus Hook}} {{Open Access}} winning 40–0 in front of 1,000 fans at Wilmington Park.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83326512/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 1, 1952|title=Marcus Hook Takes Finale}} {{Open Access}}
==All-Star Team==
- Ends: Strusowski, Peden (St. Anthony's); Logullo (Conrad); M. Segich (Defiance); Rush (West Side)
- Tackles: Cycyk, Mammavella, Zoli (Kennett Square); Hughes, Purple (New Castle); Hoagland (National Guard)
- Guards: Perna (St. Anthony's); L. Segich (Defiance); Bullow, O'Neill (Conrad); Chapman (New Castle)
- Centers: Sutton (St. Anthony's); Chapman (2) (New Castle)
- Backs (Defense): Pucy, Kennett, DiAngelo (St. Anthony's); Watson, Jones (West Side); King, Lanouette (New Castle)
- Backs (Offense): Kempski, Taylor, Morris (Conrad); Knox, Gordon (National Guard); McMasters (Defiance)
- Managers: Jess Malin, Buddy Clark (Conrad)
=1953 season=
The Wilmington Football League's first 1953 meeting was held on September 2, at Huber's Sporting Goods.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83372626/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 2, 1953|title=WFL Meets Tonight}} {{Open Access}} In the following weeks the league dropped down to six teams, following the addition of the Adams A.C. and dropping out by the New Castle Tonies, Defiance Bulldogs, and West Side Indians. The Defiance team was the last original member of the league, as well as the oldest league member and last surviving team of a predecessor league. The six league teams were the: Marcus Hook A. A., New Castle County Air Base, the Kennett Square Crusaders, the Adams A.C., the National Guard, and the Conrad Alumni.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83372981/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 10, 1953|title=3 Grid Games Carded In Wilmington Loop}} {{Open Access}}
The Marcus Hook A. A. clinched their second consecutive league title following a Conrad Alumni victory over the Air Base.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83373578/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=December 7, 1953|title=Conrad Alumni Gridders Down Air Base, 13 to 7}} {{Open Access}} The Conrad game, won by a game-winning touchdown pass with seconds remaining, eliminated New Castle from the championship contention as well as gave Marcus Hook the league crown. Though the victory tied Conrad with Marcus Hook at the end of the season, the Alumni team was forced to vacate two wins following the use of an ineligible player.
=1954 season=
A September 1954 article by The News Journal wrote, "[The] Wilmington Football League, [is] now assured of six teams with [the] Kennett Square Crusaders' decision to enter a team again this year."{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83375211/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 16, 1954|title=City Football League Holds Meeting Tonight}} {{Open Access}} The league was scheduled to start in the second week of October and play a 10-game schedule. The teams entered by September 16 were the: Kennett Square Crusaders, National Guard, Marine Reserves, Adams, A.C., Conrad Alumni, and Wilmington Tonies. The Tonies, returning after a two-year absence, were the last surviving member of a predecessor league, following the withdrawal from the league of the Defiance Bulldogs. The Marcus Hook A. A. and Air Base left. The Marine Reserves would also leave, before the season started, bringing it down to five teams.
According to a November 1955 article by The New Journal, the Kennett Square Crusaders were named league champions.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83376984/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 5, 1955|title=Conrad Alumni Risk Lead Against Kennett Tomorrow}} {{Open Access}}
=1955 season=
The 1955 season would be the league's nineteenth and final year. The Tonies, the oldest league member, left, and was replaced by Claymont. The five teams in the league's final season were the: Conrad Alumni, Kennett Square Crusaders, Claymont, Adams A.C., and National Guard.
The Conrad Alumni went undefeated, posting a 7–0 record to win the league's final title.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83377434/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=November 25, 1955|title=Conrad Alumni Win City Grid Loop Title}} {{Open Access}}
The league folded after this season.
Champions
- 1922: Defiance Bulldogs
- 1923: Defiance Bulldogs (2)
- 1924: Shamrock Athletic Club
- 1925: No Champion
- 1926–1928: No League
- 1929: Penn-Del Athletic Association
- 1930: Penn-Del Athletic Association (2)
- 1931: Eleventh Ward Whitejackets
- 1932 (WCFL): St. Anthony's Catholic Club
- 1932 (WFA): Eleventh Ward Whitejackets (2)
- 1933 (WCFL): Black Diamonds
- 1933 (WFA): Eleventh Ward Whitejackets (3)
- 1934 (WCFL): South Side Terrapins
- 1934 (WFA): White Eagles (1st & 2nd Halves)
- 1935 (WCFL): St. Anthony's Catholic Club (2)
- 1935 (WFA): Eleventh Ward Blue Jackets (1st & 2nd Halves) (4)
- 1936–1939: No League
- 1940: Price Run Red Raiders
- 1941: Defiance Bulldogs (3) & Parkside
- 1942–1945: No League
- 1946 (Open Division): Fairview Owls (1st Half); Defiance Bulldogs/Athletic Association (2nd Half) (3.5)
- 1946 (Senior Division): Happy Valley
- 1947 (Open Division): St. Anthony's Catholic Club (1st & 2nd Halves) (3)
- 1947 (Senior Division): Happy Valley (2)
- 1948: Polish Eagles
- 1949: St. Anthony's Catholic Club (4)
- 1950: Defiance Athletic Association (4.5)
- 1951: Conrad Alumni
- 1952: Marcus Hook Athletic Association
- 1953: Marcus Hook Athletic Association (2)
- 1954: Kennett Square Crusaders
- 1955: Conrad Alumni (2)
Notable players
{{expand list|date=August 2021}}
- Nick Bucci{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93537942/delaware-county-daily-times/|newspaper=Delaware County Daily Times|via=Newspapers.com|date=October 15, 1951|title=Marcus Hook Eleven Downs Gloucester, 7-2}} {{Open Access}}
- Ed Michaels{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81038033/the-news-journal/|newspaper=The News Journal|via=Newspapers.com|author=Zabitka, Matt|author-link=Matt Zabitka|title=Ed Pankowski reminisces|date=November 22, 1990}} {{Open Access}}
- John Tosi
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80635421/the-morning-news/|newspaper=The Morning News|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 16, 1930|title=Wilmington Football Association Rules}} {{Open Access}}
- {{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80657248/the-evening-journal/|newspaper=The Evening Journal|via=Newspapers.com|date=September 16, 1924|title=CAN WILMINGTON STAND FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION?|author=Greenstein, Ben}} {{Open Access}}
{{Wilmington Football League}}
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