DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) at Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.)
Archbishop Wood is back in action after winning a state title.
Photo by Ken Reabe, Jr.
Archbishop Wood could enhance its national reputation with a win against perennial D.C.-area power DeMatha to open the season. Wood, ranked 22nd in this week's
MaxPreps Computer Rankings, has eight returning starters from a 13-2 team on both sides of the ball. Last season, Wood captured its second state title in the last three years. Look for Penn State-bound senior linebacker
Jake Cooper to anchor the Vikings defense. Fellow future Nittany Lion
Ryan Bates is the top returning offensive lineman protecting junior quarterback
Tom Garlick, who is already a three-year starter. DeMatha is annually among the nation's leaders of producing scholarship-worthy college football talent, and its Class of 2016 could end up one of the best it's ever had. Seven juniors already have FBS offers including Penn State-committed defensive end
Shane Simmons.
Sign up to be the one who provides Qwixcore live scoring updates from this gameJust the facts: According to CalPreps.com, teams from Maryland have gone 127-91 against Pennsylvania foes since 2003. Archbishop Wood and DeMatha have both played only one team from the other state during the timeframe, with each team going 1-0. … In addition to its strong football tradition, DeMatha is home to one of the winningest basketball programs in America. The Stags have been named national champion twice and won the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference 39 times since 1961.
Mitch Stephens: Archbishop Wood 28, DeMatha 21
Kevin Askeland: DeMatha 38, Archbishop Wood 35
Jamie DeMoney: Archbishop Wood 30, DeMatha 20
Stephen Spiewak: Archbishop Wood 28, DeMatha 20
Leland Gordon: Archbishop Wood 24, DeMatha 22
Colin Ward-Henninger: DeMatha 24, Archbishop Wood 20
