Rick O'Brien: Archbishop Wood will face resurgent Strath Haven team
Archbishop Wood, like the rest of District 12, has been on the PIAA scene for three years now, and has flexed its considerable muscle at the Class AAA level.
Archbishop Wood, like the rest of District 12, has been on the PIAA scene for three years now, and has flexed its considerable muscle at the Class AAA level.
In 2008, the Vikings beat West Chester Rustin in a state quarterfinal and advanced to the final before losing to District 7 juggernaut Thomas Jefferson. Last year, they took out Pottsgrove before bowing in the semifinals.
Now, the District 1 member standing between Wood and its bid for statewide glory is Strath Haven.
Yes, the same Strath Haven that slumped to a 5-5 record last season and received little preseason attention when it came to talk of possible Class AAA title contenders. Most of the focus was on Wood and defending District 1 champion Pottsgrove.
On Friday, at 7 p.m. at Coatesville, the Vikings (12-0) and Panthers (12-1) will slug it out in an intriguing state quarterfinal. It's the relatively new kid on the block against the former king of the area's Class AAA hill.
From 1997 to 2003, Strath Haven won the District 1 title and represented the region in the state quarterfinals. Kevin Clancy's Panthers reached the state final four straight times starting in 1999, bringing home the crown in '99 and 2000.
Wood, idle last weekend, is ranked No. 3 in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer. No. 9 Strath Haven, fresh off beating Pottsrove for its 11th District 1 crown and first since 2005, has won 12 straight after an opening loss at Upper Moreland.
Both have had to adjust to injuries to key performers. The Vikings do not have electrifying tailback and 1,300-yard rusher Desmon Peoples, likely out for the season with two small fractures in his left foot. The Panthers recently moved halfback James Griffin to quarterback when Bryan Downs suffered a broken collarbone.
Both have terrific coaches. In four years at Wood, Steve Devlin, a former St. Joseph's Prep assistant, has a 44-9 record (.830 win percentage). Clancy, who dealt with his own health issues this season, is 199-48 (.806) in 20 seasons at Strath Haven. Overall, he has a 266-87-2 mark.
The Vikings' Brandon Peoples, Desmon's cousin, is a capable replacement at tailback. The Abington transfer averages nearly 9 yards per carry. Joey Monaghan has passed for 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The catalyst of the Panthers' wing-T offense is bruising fullback Thurman Fortune (1,645 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns), who returned from a shoulder injury against Pottsgrove. Griffin (756, 4 TDs), and halfbacks Brent Collins (741, 9 TDs) and Alex Hisey (634, 8 TDs) are also dangerous.
Pick: A week off serves the Vikings well. Wood, 28-14.
Last week: 11-5. Overall: 129-60.
Class AAAA
On Saturday, 1 p.m. at Northeast, La Salle (11-1) and Easton (12-2) will butt heads again in a Class AAAA quarterfinal. Last year, in Bethlehem, the Explorers nipped the Red Rovers, 17-14, on Frank Banko Field's snow-covered turf.
While La Salle was idle last weekend, Easton, playing its third game in eight days, nipped Whitehall, 13-10.
The possibly weary Red Rovers are led on offense by quarterback Justin Pacchioli, who doubles at safety and made a late touchdown-saving strip against Whitehall; running backs Zach Bambary and James Middleton; and tight end Justin Souders.
"They like to play power football," Explorers coach Drew Gordon said. "They try to pound the ball at you."
Steve Shiffert is 156-68-1 in 18 seasons at Easton. He is the program's all-time winningest coach. The Red Rovers last reached the state semifinals in 2004.
Pick: Jumping out to a 14-0 lead, Easton gave the Explorers a battle last year. This time, Jamal Abdur-Rahman and company seize early command. La Salle, 24-14.
Class AA
West Catholic (10-2) will battle District 11's Northern Lehigh (13-0) in a Class AA quarterfinal at 7 p.m. Friday at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown.
The run-happy Bulldogs have outscored foes by 562-179. Tailback Cody Remaley has carried 241 times for 2,252 yards and 35 TDs. Halfback/slot receiver Jake Kern (72 for 963, 14; 19 catches for 313 yards, 5) is another threat.
"We can't allow [Remaley] to get his shoulders turned and pointed upfield," West Catholic coach Brian Fluck said. "We have to stop him before he gets started."
The Burrs' leading defensive playmakers are end Jim Lynch (71 tackles), inside linebacker Kevin Burns (82), and outside linebacker Anthony McDonough (50). Against Northern Lehigh, strong safety Kevin Malone will be positioned close to the line of scrimmage.
Pick: The Bulldogs are averaging 318 rushing yards per game. They'll find the going tougher against the Burrs. West, 27-23.