Team # 2 Archbishop Wood (12) 0-0

The three-time Philadelphia Catholic League and District 12 AAA champions have six seniors who are all Division-1 talents – five of which have issued pre-season declarations to BCS power conference schools.  The Vikings’ backfield is highlighted by cousins Desmon and Brandon Peoples, who each ran for more than 1,100 yards last season and are headed to Rutgers and Temple, respectively.  Quarterback Joey Monaghan has thrown for 1,782 yards and 19 touchdowns in the last two years, posting a varsity starting record of 16-1 (.941) in the process.

The Wood offensive line should be especially strong even with the loss of Chris Knott and Rory Clark to graduation, headlined by Frank Taylor (Boston College recruit), Brandon Arcidiacono (Rutgers recruit), Nick Arcidiancono (potential D-1 prospect in the 2013 class) and tight end Colin Thompson (Florida recruit).  Wood’s offensive line paved the way for a unit which averaged 348 yards (229 rushing, 119 passing) and 36.5 points per game, scoring 62 total offensive touchdowns (47 rushing, 15 passing).

Monghan will benefit from the addition of Nate Smith (career 51 rec., 867 yds, 15 TD), a transfer from George Washington High School in the Philadelphia Public League and the return of Kyle Adkins (15, 302, 2) and Thompson (13, 208, 4) provide three quality targets to throw to.

Defensively, Wood allowed an average of 15.2 points per game, holding eight of 14 opponents to 14 points or less, with three shutouts.  Kicker Nick Visco (65 PATs, six FGs) is an asset on special teams and is automatic when called upon.  Visco was Wood’s third-leading scorer last season, trailing only Desmon and Brandon Peoples.

2011 Schedule