A closer look: Wood looking for third state crown

Archbishop Wood is on the doorstep of a third state title.

In their fifth championship-game appearance in seven seasons, the Vikings (13-1) clash with District 7's Central Valley (15-0) at 7 p.m. Friday at Hersheypark Stadium.

Central Valley, of suburban Pittsburgh, was founded five years ago after the merger of the Center Area and Monaca school districts.

Wood is focused on slowing Warriors running back Jordan Whitehead. The 6-foot, 185-pounder has carried 135 times for 1,899 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Central Valley's spread offense also features quarterback Johnny George; fullback Preston Johnson; and wide receivers B.J. Powell, Dante Lucci, and Kurt Reinstadtler.

"They're obviously a well-coached team, and they have a lot of dangerous players," Vikings coach Steve Devlin said.

Central Valley decided to play Friday despite last Sunday's death of Warriors lineman Dominick "Andy" Treemarchi. The senior reserve died after suffering severe respiratory distress in the back of a car.

Four teens were charged Monday with involuntary manslaughter in his death. Police say the teens moved the 17-year-old Treemarchi from one car to another instead of helping him.

"The last 48 hours have been difficult," Central Valley coach Mark Lyons said Tuesday. "In some way, we're going to try to get back to normalcy."

Here is a closer look at the final.

Twitter. Follow @ozoneing for updates.

TV. Live on the Pennsylvania Cable Network.

Projected starters. Go to philly.com/ozone.

Weather. A dry, 33-degree night is forecast.

Coaches. Devlin is 97-17 (.851 winning percentage) in eight years. Lyons is 56-10 (.848) in five seasons.

Two-way standout. Whitehead, who doubles at free safety, has committed to Pittsburgh. He is expected to play cornerback in college.

Signal-caller. Wood junior QB Anthony Russo has thrown for more than 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Healthy again. Central Valley quarterback Johnny George, who was slowed early in the season by a high-ankle sprain, has passed for 1,329 yards and 15 TDs.

Quotable. Lyons on the 5-11, 165-pound George: "I'm not sure you're going to recognize him out of his equipment. He looks like our water boy."

Stingy. The Vikings defense, anchored by linebackers Jake Cooper and Justin Rubin, has allowed only 13.4 points per game.

Stalwarts. Central Valley's 3-4 defense is headed by ends Luke Kusler and Jeremy Steffine, and linebackers Rocco Martini, Skyler Cron, and Preston Johnson.

Spark plug. Wood's Jarrett McClenton, a fleet tailback bound for Villanova, has rushed for 1,956 yards and 33 TDs.

Up front. The Warriors defensive line is made up of ends Kusler (6-2, 230) and Steffine (6-0, 200), and middle guard Scott Meckling (6-1, 250). "I'm not so sure we match up with Wood's offensive line," Lyons said.

Pick. With McClenton breaking free for long gains and Whitehead struggling to do the same, the Vikings roll. Wood, 42-14.