CATHOLIC LEAGUE GAME OF THE WEEK
Who: St. Joseph’s Prep vs. Archbishop Wood
When: 1:00 PM Saturday, October 16
Where: William Tennent High School
Records: St. Joseph’s Prep 3-2, 0-1; Archbishop Wood 5-2, 2-0
Most Recent Performance: The Prep defeated non-league host Middletown High School (Delaware), 24-6; Archbishop Wood handled Philadelphia Catholic League Red Division host Father Judge, 40-20.
Importance: Archbishop Wood would clinch its first Red Division championship by defeating the Prep this week and then La Salle next week, which would assure the Vikings of facing the fourth seed in the first round of the PIAA Class 6A playoffs. For the Prep to win the Catholic League championship for a fifth straight season (there were no PCL playoffs last year), they must win their final three league games and hope La Salle loses.
All-Time Record: St. Joseph’s Prep leads, 10-2.
St. Joseph’s Prep Notes: It’s been an uncharacteristic struggle for the Hawks. An elevator ride has their results going WLWLW, with the defense dominating in the three wins and the defense struggling in the two losses . . . The Prep has not lost three games in the same season since 2014 . . . A work in progress, sophomore QB Samaj Jones represents a double-edge threat, with 420 yards rushing, a 6.3 average yards per carry, four rushing scores, and seven touchdown throws . . . With 28 receptions for 277 yards and two touchdowns, sophomore David Washington is the only receiver in double digits in catches . . . Senior Blaine Bunch returned after missing three games and has helped stabilize the running game, contributing 60 yards and two TDs on 12 carries last week . . . Led by junior linebacker Josiah Trotter, six different Hawks have notched double digits in solo tackles . . . Senior kicker Antonio Chadha could be a difference maker in close game.
Archbishop Wood Notes: After winning their first three by a composite 114-6, the Vikings were outscored by 59-0 in two shutout losses. But Wood returned to winning form by stopping Red Division foes Roman Catholic and Father Judge . . . After not having any running back reach 100 yards, junior James Bermudez gained 123 against Roman two weeks ago and senior Ricardo Delgado followed with 119 last week against Judge . . . Wood had not thrown for a TD pass until last week, when senior Trey Holsman and sophomore Mekhi Wharton combined to toss six . . . Wood’s defense has intercepted a collective 10 passes by seven different players . . . Senior John Pergine is enjoying a monster season with 59 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Junior teammate Eric Gardner has registered six sacks.
Archbishop Wood junior running back James Bermudez - PSD Photo by Kathy Leister
VIKING CHAT: “The Catholic league has been very interesting,” said junior tight end Markus Dixon. “It has showed that it is anyone’s league to claim at any time and point. This week’s game is the most important game of the year and the team feels confident that we are going to win this game along with the playoffs. For preparation, our coaches are putting us in the best positions to excel at on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.”
HAWK CHAT: “Every game from now on is important because it’s the next game,” said sophomore defensive back Omillio Agard. “We have to strive to be 1-0 every week and not look ahead. We work at having great practices so we are prepared when the day comes to play 48 minutes. We are focused and will be ready to play when the day comes.”
Prediction: Archbishop Wood is in a tough spot playing a Prep team that has already lost a league game for the first time in six seasons. The last time the Prep lost two league games in the same season was in 2010. With that in mind, it would be foolhardy to predict a loss by the Hawks under the rare current circumstances. The Prep defense will rise to the occasion and inspire a 27-14 win, which would most likely cause unprecedented chaos in the Catholic League Red.
St. Joseph's Prep sophomore quarterback Samaj Jones - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings