Game Preview: La Salle vs. Archbishop Wood @LaSalle_Sports @WoodFootball
Tagged under: District 12, News
Will Ryan | October 26, 2021
Graphic designed by Christian Daikler, a La Salle student. Follow him on Instagram @editsbydaik
7pm at Wissahickon High School, Archbishop Wood will look to spoil not only La Salle’s senior night, but also La Salle’s chance to clinch their first PCL championship since 2015.
How Wood can win:
Wood does not need to play a perfect game to beat La Salle. What the Vikings need is a complete game, a game where they sustain their offensive and defensive attacks from the first to fourth quarter. Wood, offensively, often rotate Trey Holsman and Mekhi Wharton. Wharton is better statistically in almost every category, but Holsman does bring a senior presence to the offense. Whichever QB is getting the bulk of the snaps on Friday, they need to focus on two things. The first is finding Markus Dixon. Dixon, a 3☆ TE with offers from SEC, ACC, and BIG10 schools, had 0 catches vs. St. Joe’s Prep. That is completly inexcusable, a weapon like Dixon needs his quarterbacks to get the ball in his hands.
Another weapon for Wood is Ricardo Delgado. Delgado, a bigger back, has put a team high 8 touchdowns on the board this season. 6 of those touchdowns have come on the ground, where he has run the ball 89 times for 484 yards. In the pass game, Delgado has 7 catches for 162 yards. The bottom line for Holsman and Wharton: Get the ball to Delgado and Dixon.
Wood’s defense, lead by Andrew McHugh, Eric Gardner, and John Pergine have forced 19 turnovers this season. If Wood can keep La Salle inside the numbers and play their strengths, they can win this game. They will need their quarterbacks to be on, but between two quarterbacks, 4 quarters is not too much to ask, is it?
How La Salle wins:
La Salle’s recipe for success is more simple that Wood’s. La Salle needs to take care of the football, and feed their running backs. Sam Brown could have a field day on Wood if he’s able to hit the gaps or bounce outside on this Wood front. Stevie Davis could also have a big game, as he is frankly one of the best in the area once he gets outside.
Defense has not been much of a problem for the Explorers. Abdul Carter, Darold Dengohe, Sean McFadden and Chris Thompson lead the charge for the Explorers defense, while Amir Anderson leads the secondary. If La Salle’s defense simply shows up with a high level of intensity, and La Salle’s offense can take care of the ball, the Explorers should clinch a PCL Red Division Championship.
Questions going into the game:
- Will Trey Holsman or Mekhi Wharton get the majority of the snaps at QB?
- Will the Explorers use Kelby Hampton as a CB or a WR?
- With the Explorers having a clear edge in the special teams game, how will that effect the game?
- Sam Brown has never gotten a 100 yard rush game against Wood. Will he get it this week?
How to watch the game:
Bob Long Sports is broadcasting the game. You can find the game on his YouTube page, Bob Long Sports.
To purchase tickets to the game, go to https://www.lschs.org/athletics/tickets
Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews
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