A Closer Look: Archbishop Wood vs. Pittsburgh Central Catholic

Archbishop Wood's primary goal entering the 2011 season is to secure the PIAA Class AAA championship that it came close to bringing home the last three seasons.

The Vikings also hope to make a bold statement or two along the way. The first chance to do that will come Sunday in a clash with Pittsburgh Central Catholic, the consensus No. 1 team in Class AAAA.

The highly anticipated opener, set for 2 p.m. at Gateway High in suburban Pittsburgh, will be televised on ESPN2.

Central Catholic (11-1 last season) was ranked No. 27 in the country in an ESPN Rise preseason poll; Wood (13-1) was No. 48. Combined, the teams have 11 seniors who have committed to Division I-A schools or been offered scholarships at that level.

Central Catholic, a member of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholatstic Athletic League (WPIAL), won state crowns in 1988, 2004, and 2007.

"They're big, quick, tough, and well-coached," Wood coach Steve Devlin said. "And they have a two-platoon squad. I think only one or two of their players goes both ways."

Here is a closer look at the game:

Field general. Central Catholic's Pro-I offense is directed by Maryland recruit Perry Hills. Last year, the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder threw for 1,582 yards and 10 touchdowns, with a 55 percent completion mark.

"He's got a great arm," Devlin said. "He can really throw the ball down the field. And he's very accurate."

Speedy back. Devlin said Central Catholic halfback Damion Jones-Moore, with a 5-7, 180-pound frame and a quick initial burst, reminds him of Wood tailback Desmon Peoples. "He runs low, has great balance," the coach said.

Jones-Moore, heavily recruited by Mid-American Conference schools, rushed for 1,089 yards and 20 TDs last year.

Stout group. Wood's offensive line has center Brandon Arcidiacono (6-5, 255), guards Nick Arcidiacono (6-2, 230) and George Griffin (6-3, 275), tackles Frank Taylor (6-4, 290) and Fran Walsh (6-1, 235), and tight ends Colin Thompson (6-5, 255) and Jonathan Vicari (6-0, 220).

Another future Terp. Like teammate Hills, Anthony Nixon, a 6-1, 195-pound wideout and safety, has committed to play for Maryland.

"He's very fast, a real physical specimen," Devlin said. "We'll have a couple of defensive packages for him."

Nixon, projected to be a defensive back in college, caught 33 passes for 699 yards and scored three touchdowns last season.

Up front. Leading the charge for Wood's 4-4 defense are tackles Thompson and Taylor, and ends Kevin Sullivan and Brandon Peoples.

Look for Brandon Arcidiacono and Ryan McMullen to fill in at tackle, with Nick Arcidiacono and Benji Abercrombie seeing spot duty at end.

"We have to make sure they earn everything they get," Devlin said. "We can't get burned with the big play."

Others to watch. Central Catholic's other Division I recruits are 6-6, 275-pound, two-way tackle Logan Dietz and 6-1, 175-pound defensive back Juwan Haynes.

Analysis. Wood needs to control the ball and keep Central Catholic's quick-strike offense off the field. With at least five two-way performers, the District 12 champs can't get worn down early. Both teams averaged more than 30 points last year, but don't expect a shootout. And, lastly, look for East to beat West.

Pick: Wood, 24-21.