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FOOTBALL: Catholic League Game of the Week, La Salle vs. Archbishop Wood

By John Knebels , 10/28/21, 1:45PM EDT

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PCL Game of the Week Sponsored by Semanoff Ormsby Greenberg & Torchia, LLC

CATHOLIC LEAGUE GAME OF THE WEEK:

Who: Archbishop Wood at La Salle

When: 11:00 AM Saturday, October 30

Where: Wissahickon High School   

Records: Archbishop Wood 5-3, 2-1; La Salle 7-1, 2-1

Most Recent Performance: Archbishop Wood lost to St. Joseph’s Prep, 38-20; La Salle stormed past a strong Father Judge squad, 52-14.

Importance: A La Salle victory would clinch its first PCL title since 2015, not to mention an opportunity to meet Roman Catholic in the PIAA Class 6 semifinals and avenge the Explorers’ only loss . . . To win its first large-school division title, Archbishop Wood must defeat La Salle and simultaneously hope for Father Judge to shock St. Joseph’s Prep. As for the Prep, a win over Judge and a La Salle loss would secure its fifth straight crown (there was no champion last fall).

All-Time Record: La Salle leads the series, 22-18-1.

Archbishop Wood Notes: Coming off a bye week, the Vikings have run the ball well over the past three games, during which Ricardo Delgado has gained 291 yards and scored touchdowns . . . In senior Trey Holsman and sophomore Mekhi Wharton, Wood forms two very competent QBs . . . Senior Andrew McHugh leads in both receiving (22 catches for 275 yards and five touchdowns) and interceptions (three of team’s 12) . . . Senior John Pergine and junior Eric Gardner both have seven sacks to their credit.

La Salle Notes: The upset loss to Roman Catholic might end up being a blessing in disguise; at least it looked that way when a more focused Explorer team scored a season-high 52 points versus Father Judge . . . Explorers have averaged 36 points per game over their past five . . . Senior RB Sam Brown is a double threat as a runner (820 yards and nine touchdowns on 111 carries) and receiver (11 for 215 and three scores) . . . Senior QB Alan Paturzo’s numbers (87 for 127, 1,095 yards, 13 TDs) don’t tell the whole story; the guy is fearless . . . Linebacker-dominant defense is led by senior Abdul Carter, junior Darold DeNgohe, junior Sean McFadden, and sophomore Matt Wills . . . Senior kicker Santiago Sturla has nailed 28 extra points and four field goals.

VIKING CHAT: “This is a big-time opportunity for us to bounce back from a tough loss,” said senior RB/linebacker Ricardo Delgado. “We’re all excited and ready to go. This game allows us to set the tone for the PCL playoffs that start next week. We know what the stakes are and are ready to show the PCL and all of 6A what Wood Football is about.”

EXPLORER CHAT: “We had a wake up call against Roman, but I believe it was for the best,” said senior middle linebacker Chris Thompson. “It humbled us. We have had great practices the last three weeks. None of us were satisfied after our win over Judge this week.

“We all want to beat Wood, them being one of our rivals, but most importantly to clinch the Catholic League. It is also our senior night, so I know all of us want to play our best for each other and our families.”

Prediction: The worst thing that could have happened to Wood was La Salle losing to Roman Catholic. La Salle’s loss served as a spark to return to basics, and the Explorers arguably played their most complete game of the season last week . . . With the surprise element extinguished, La Salle should handle business with a 27-17 victory and celebrate the PCL championship with reckless abandon in front of their home fans. 

(John Knebels can be reached at Jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)