Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.) vs. Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, Pa.)One of the state's top 3A contenders travels across the state to take on what many consider the team to beat in Class 4A. Wood has 17 starters back from last year's 12-1 state semifinals team. There are at least six FBS prospects on offense including Florida-bound tight end Colin Thompson (6-6, 255) and last year's Philadelphia Catholic League MVP
Desmon Peoples, a 5-8, 175-pound senior tailback who ran for over 1,000 yards with 25 touchdowns last season. The Vikings' talent level was boosted even higher with the arrival of receiver-defensive back
Nate Smith, a transfer from George Washington (Philadelphia).
Central Catholic is also a veteran squad, bringing back 15 starters from an 11-1 team that lost in the WPIAL semifinals to eventual 4A state champ North Allegheny (Wexford). Coach Terry Totten likes the leadership on his team, beginning with senior quarterback
Perry Hills. A 6-3, 190 Maryland commit, Hills first saw starting duty for the Vikings as a sophomore. He threw for over 1,500 yards in 2010. His top receiving target is another future Terrapin, Anthony Nixon, who is 6-2, 195 and also starts at free safety. This Sunday afternoon nationally televised contest is part of the Gateway Kickoff Classic in Monroeville, Pa.
Mitch Stephens: Archbishop Wood 27, Central Catholic 21
Steve Montoya: Central Catholic 28, Archbishop Wood 21
Stephen Spiewak: Archbishop Wood 21, Pittsburgh Central Catholic 17
Kevin Askeland: Central Catholic 35, Archbishop Wood 14
Jamie DeMoney: Central Catholic 27, Archbishop Wood 17
Desmon Peoples rushed for over 1,000 yards last season.
File photo by Ron Siliani
