In 2008 Archbishop Wood made a splash in their first season as a PIAA member. The Vikings went 12-3 and made it to the PIAA 3A State Finals, losing to Thomas Jefferson 34-7.
Selinsgrove ended their season in 2009 and Allentown Central Catholic defeated them last season in the Eastern finals 49-27.
Archbishop Wood is deep in talent this season with six players that have already committed to Division one schools. OG Frank Taylor (Boston College), TE Colin Thompson (Florida), C Brandon Arcidiacono (Rutgers), Desmon Peoples (Rutgers), ATH Brandon Peoples (Temple) and WR/S Nate Smith (West Virginia).
Leading the charge is field general Joey Monaghan who has passed for 1,492 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Monaghan’s favorite target is George Washington transfer Nate Smith, who caught 21 passes for 600 yards. His other target is Kyle Adkins who has caught 17 passes for 300 yards.
His biggest target is 6-6, 255 pound tight end Colin Thompson who has 15 catches for 265 yards. Thompson is rated the number one tight end in Pennsylvannia.
Paving the way for the rushing game is lineman Fran Walsh (6-1 235) , George Griffin (6-3 275), Frank Taylor (6-4, 295), Brandon Arcidiacono (6-6, 255) and Nick Arcidiacono (6-2, 230).
The ground game is led by the Peoples. Desmond Peoples leads the way with 906 yards on 106 carries and Brandon Peoples has rushed for 708 yards.
With out question both teams offensively can light up a scoreboard. This year the big difference between the two teams is defense.
During the regular season, Wood has given up an average of 7.5 points per game. Allentown Central Catholic has given up a average 24.7 per game.
Central Catholic has given up big yardage on the ground against teams like Downingtown East, Parkland and recently they gave up 535 yards rushing against Valley View. Does this give Wood the advantage? Time will tell.
Final Thoughts:
– Will Allentown Central Catholic be able to stop Wood’s ground game?
– Wood started the season losing to a team named “Central Catholic”. Will their season end by another team named “Central Catholic”?
– Will Wood move on and win their first PIAA state 3A title?
