PIAA Class 5A semifinal at a glance
Archbishop Wood (9-2-1) vs. Academy Park (13-1) Friday, 7 p.m., at Plymouth Whitemarsh At stake: The winner will meet either District 3's Harrisburg (10-3) or District 7's West Allegheny (13-0) in the state final on Dec. 9 in Hershey.
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Archbishop Wood (9-2-1) vs. Academy Park (13-1)
Friday, 7 p.m., at Plymouth Whitemarsh
At stake: The winner will meet either District 3's Harrisburg (10-3) or District 7's West Allegheny (13-0) in the state final on Dec. 9 in Hershey.
On a roll: The Wood Vikings have won nine straight since a 43-24 loss to 12-0 Catholic League Red Division rival St. Joseph's Prep.
Minimal throwing: The Academy Park Knights average about 10 passes per game. Taylor Moors has connected on 66 of 139 throws for 1,097 yards and 11 scores.
In the trenches: Archbishop Wood's offensive line is anchored by tackle Anthony Diodato and guards Tom Walsh and Connor Bishop.
Patrolling the middle: Outside linebackers Teddy Wright and Azeez Badmus are strong defensive performers for Academy Park. Wright, a do-everything type, sometimes moves to strong safety.
Key matchup: At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Vikings wideout Mark Webb will often be pitted against Knights cornerback Davoughnte Brown (6-0, 165).
Stalwarts: Archbishop Wood's defense is keyed by Diadato, a tackle, end Bill Shaeffer, and linebackers Matt Palmer and Tyler Smith.
Pick: Archbishop Wood, 49-13.
- Rick O'BrienEndText