New kid Wood aiming to give Jefferson a jolt
For Thomas Jefferson, this is familiar territory. The District 7 Jaguars will try for their second straight state title and third in five seasons.
PIAA Class AAA state championship, Archbishop Wood (12-2) vs. Thomas Jefferson (14-1), at Hersheypark Stadium, tonight at 7
For Thomas Jefferson, this is familiar territory. The District 7 Jaguars will try for their second straight state title and third in five seasons.
Archbishop Wood, like the Catholic League, is a new kid on the PIAA block. The Vikings, playing a day ahead of Class AA title contender West Catholic, will attempt to become District 12's first state football champion.
Here is a quick look at the game:
Coaches.
Steve Devlin is 21-5 in two seasons at Archbishop Wood. In 14 seasons at Thomas Jefferson, Bill Cherpak is 151-29.
Records.
The Vikings are 12-2, with losses against Pennridge (43-42, in triple overtime) in Week 1 and West Catholic (28-17) in Week 5. The Jaguars are 14-1, with the lone defeat coming in Week 1 against Glenville (Ohio) by 34-13.
Fast facts.
Archbishop Wood has outscored foes by 475-27. It has won nine consecutive games by a combined score of 320-35. Cherpak could become the first coach in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League to win three PIAA state crowns. The Jaguars have triumphed in 69 of their last 75 games.
Jefferson offense. The Jaguars, with a power-I formation and some spread sets, average 38.8 points per game. Running back Brian Baldrige is strong but not especially quick. Quarterback Tyler Wehner (111 for 198 passing, 2,498 yards, 30 TDs) is a throwing and running threat.
Wood offense.
With a multiple scheme, the Vikings are sparked by QB Sean McCartney (78 for 131, 1,282 yards, eight TDs) and halfback Sean Cunningham (286 carries, 1,749 yards, 26 TDs).
Jefferson defense.
The Jaguars, in a 4-4 set, have allowed 11.6 points a game. Their stalwarts are linebackers Matt Hufford (66 solo tackles, 32 assists) and Jim Giansante (44, 29), and free safety Ed Hasis (45, 21).
Wood defense.
Also using a 4-4 alignment, the Vikings have yielded 9.1 points a game. In their last nine outings, they have notched five shutouts. Only Conwell-Egan scored more than a touchdown in that stretch.
Analysis.
Archbishop Wood has had a stellar postseason, surpassing the expectations of most. But Thomas Jefferson has been here before, has more size up front, and has the ability on defense to keep McCartney and Cunningham under wraps.
Pick.
Thomas Jefferson, 34-17.
Wood Vs. Jefferson
Here are the probable starters for the Vikings and Jaguars:
ARCHBISHOP WOOD (12-2)
OFFENSE
Pos. No. Player Ht. Wt. Class
WR 11 Vince Furlong 6-4 180 Sr.
WR 18 Mike Maxwell 6-4 210 Sr.
C 55 Dan Grimes 6-0 240 Jr.
G 66 Scott Kajmo 6-1 280 Sr.
G 54 Gerry Campi 6-0 210 Sr.
T 60 Matt O'Connell 6-0 205 Sr.
T 70 Adam Citko 6-5 325 Sr.
TE 84 Anthony Narisi 6-1 210 Sr.
QB 14 Sean McCartney 6-3 170 Sr.
FB 42 Nick Devine 6-0 200 Sr.
HB 22 Sean Cunningham 6-0 200 Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. No. Player Ht. Wt. Class
T 66 Scott Kajmo 6-1 280 Sr.
T 60 Matt O'Connell 6-0 205 Sr.
E 84 Anthony Narisi 6-1 210 Sr.
E 42 Nick Devine 6-0 200 Sr.
LB 9 Jerry Rahill 6-0 170 Sr.
LB 22 Sean Cunningham 6-0 200 Sr.
LB 29 Andy Hutchinson 5-8 175 Sr.
LB 18 Mike Maxwell 6-4 210 Sr.
S 14 Sean McCartney 6-3 170 Sr.
CB 24 Shane Miller 6-0 190 Sr.
CB 4 Scott Adkins 5-8 145 Jr.
THOMAS JEFFERSON (14-1)
OFFENSE
Pos. No. Player Ht. Wt. Class
WR 6 Dan Virgin 6-0 165 Sr.
T 74 Pat Eger 6-6 270 Sr.
G 55 Dustin Vissari 5-10 268 Soph.
C 56 Sean Kundrat 6-2 262 Sr.
G 72 Rob McCall 6-1 259 Sr.
T 79 Shane McNally 6-2 240 Jr.
TE 10 Brock DeCicco 6-5 225 Sr.
WR 16 Ed Hasis 6-1 182 Jr.
WR 23 Jim Giansante 6-2 190 Jr.
QB 3 Tyler Wehner 5-11 185 Sr.
HB 20 Brian Baldrige 5-9 195 Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. No. Player Ht. Wt. Class
E 10 Brock DeCicco 6-5 225 Sr.
T 58 Dan Pastore 6-4 254 Jr.
T 74 Pat Eger 6-6 270 Sr.
E 72 Rob McCall 6-1 259 Sr.
LB 23 Jim Giansante 6-2 190 Jr.
LB 33 Anthony Greives 6-2 205 Jr.
LB 35 Matt Hufford 6-0 215 Sr.
LB 32 Ryan Vietmeier 5-9 180 Sr.
CB 6 Dan Virgin 6-0 165 Sr.
CB 17 Steve Licht 6-1 171 Jr.
FS 16 Ed Hasis 6-1 182 Jr.