WHITEMARSH: In the previous two weeks leading up the the Philadelphia Catholic League AAA Final Archbishop Wood’s Andrew Guckin as basically been unstopable rushing for 345 yards in their regular season meeting Monsignor Bonner only to rush 304 yards in a semi-final victory over Cardinal O’Hara. On Saturday in the championship game Bonner was again faced with the difficult task of stopping Guckin who again torced the Friars for 281 yards on 24 as the Vikings took the first step in defending their state championship dispatching the Friars 38-16.
“He’s one of the strongest kids in the weightroom,gets stronger in as the game goes on and is just a tremendous leader” Vikings head coach Steve Devlin say of Guckin.
For the first quarter The Frairs held Guckin to 27 yards rushing while being unable to score on the Vikings defense. Guckin who also serves the team as the punter did burn the Friars by throwing a fake punt and connecting with Anthony Roakes for 29 yards on 4th-and 16 that put the Vikings at the Friars 14 yard line. Four plays later on the first play of the second quarter Nick Visco nailed a 26 yard field goal to give the Vikings a 3-0 lead.
After the two teams traded punts on their first full series of the second quarter Friars Quarterback Jimmy Haley tested the Vikings secondary and was intercepted by Chris Rahill. On the next play from scrimmage Guckin busted loose and raced 79 yards down the Bonner sideline for a touchdown. On the ensuing drive the Friars again went three and out. On the first play following the punt Guckin again broke free and raced 60 yards down to Friars one and on the next play Guckin capped the drive with the touchdown.
Following a 40 yard by Freshman Tom Garlick to Benji Abercrombie Guckin returned to the endzone this time from 18 yards out to give the Vikings the 24-0 lead.
The Friars finally cut into the Vikings lead when Haley danced his way in from 43 yards. Collin DiGalbo connected with Christian Summers for the two point conversion to cut the lead to 24-8
Guckin responded taking his final carry of the night 49 yards for the touchdown. Guckin gave credit to his line for his recent performances.
Jarrett McClenton capped the scoring for Wood with his 30 yard touchdown run.
Haley would add 6 yard touchdown late in the game and DiGalbo would connected with Summers for the second time on two point conversions.
The Vikings will look to take the next step towards State Gold when the on Bok in the District 12 championship
