Photos/Videos: Ryan Nix, Patty Morgan & Mike Livingston (ACHS Reporter)
By: John Knebels
PHILADELPHIA – All wins feel great. Some feel . . . better than great.
For the latter, check in with Archbishop Wood’s football team.
Heading into tomorrow’s (September 22) visit to always-challenging Neumann-Goretti, the Vikings can boast a one-game winning streak and a 1-0 record in their new Philadelphia Catholic League home – the Blue Division.
For those not familiar with the recent history of the Wood program: In summary, the Vikings had struggled mightily in the Catholic League Red Division, though to be fair, most teams could make the same claim. In their first three games of this fall – all non-leaguers – the Vikings dropped lopsided decisions.
Then, shortly after an unseemly loss to Bonner-Prendergast last week, a coaching change took place, with assistant coach-turned-head coach Brian Goettner taking over the program on an interim basis.
So when the Vikings prepared to take on Archbishop Carroll in their PCL Blue Division opener last Saturday at Norristown High School, no one knew what to expect.
“We saw this as a very important opportunity,” said senior free safety David Diehl. “It was a chance to bring some life back to the Wood program.”
Mission accomplished.
With Diehl snaring his first two high school interceptions, the last of which occurred on the final play of the game, and senior Yasin Lowry enjoying the finest performance of his career, Archbishop Wood upended host Archbishop Carroll, 20-14.
Archbishop Carroll vs. Archbishop Wood - PSD Photos by Archbishop Carroll Reporter Mike Livingston
Archbishop Carroll vs. Archbishop Wood Highlights by ACHS Reporter Mike Livingston:
“This win really helped with morale,” said Diehl. “It gave everyone confidence that we still have a chance to turn this season around.”
After contributing a career high 167 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries, Lowry echoed Diehl’s assessment.
“I think this win was very important with everything we went through last week,” said Lowry. “It helped us keep faith in each other and gave us the confidence we needed to keep pushing forward.”
Tasked with motivating the Vikings to stay positive during a difficult chapter, Goettner said he could sense a positive energy during practice and before the game.
Lowry agreed with his new commander.
“Definitely,” he said. “We weren’t focusing on being 0-3. We were just excited for a chance to prove everybody wrong.”
With Wood leading by six, Carroll began moving the ball and stood close enough to snatch a last-second victory.
Diehl didn’t let it happen.
“I was super excited,” he said. “I knew I just sealed the game and helped give the team our first win.”
Two other teams joined Archbishop Wood with division-opening victories.
Senior quarterback Frankie Mawson and tight end Danny Celins connected for two touchdowns as Archbishop Ryan doubled host West Catholic, 36-18, despite QB Kal-El-Durham touchdown and 114 yards rushing.
The Raiders also received two touchdowns apiece from seniors Damien Morgan and Christon Mitchell-Brown.
A two-way starter, Celins can cause opposing coaches some headaches figuring how to contain his large frame.
Archbishop Ryan vs. West Catholic - PSD Photos by Ryan Nix
Archbishop Ryan vs. West Catholic Highlights by Ryan Nix for PSD:
“I mean, he’s my 6-foot-5 target,” laughed Mawson. “Just trust him to go up and catch the ball. Just give him a chance, and he’s going to make a play.”
The ability to succeed at both tight end and defensive end requires preparation to handle intangible elements.
“You have to have the endurance,” said Celins. “I knew it was going to be a hot day, so I made sure to stay hydrated through out the week.”
A series of big plays led Lansdale Catholic past Conwell-Egan, 21-14. On offense, sophomore quarterback David Melcher tossed touchdown passes to juniors Darren Jackson and Braeden Smith. The difference maker came via junior James Webb’s touchdown interception return.
“That was a great win,” said senior linebacker Chris Ulmer. “Some called it an upset, but we won that game in the week of practice leading up to the game.”
Coming off two straight non-league losses, the Crusaders fell behind, 7-0, but gained momentum on a punt block by Jackson that culminated in a game-tying touchdown pass from Melcher to Jackson.
Helped by the running of John Cobbold (13 rushes, 82 yards), Lansdale Catholic maintained control in the second quarter and took its first lead, 14-7, on a jump ball TD from Melcher to Smith. Before halftime, Webb picked off a pass and returned it to the end zone. The touchdown ultimately would serve as the clinching score, as Conwell-Egan later closed to within a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The defense spearheaded by Ulmer and Smith helped made it stand.
Lansdale Catholic vs. Conwell-Egan - PSD Photos by Patty Morgan
Lansdale Catholic vs. Conwell-Egan Highlights by Patty Morgan for PSD:
“We came into the game prepared for all scenarios,” said Ulmer. “We were a very hungry team.”
(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @johnknebels.)