Wood gets edge in showdown

In a matchup that was anticipated as soon as Imhotep Charter moved up from Class AA to AAA, the Panthers are set to square off against fellow powerhouse Archbishop Wood for top PIAA District 12 honors.

The Class AAA final between No. 3-ranked Imhotep (10-1) and No. 2 Wood (10-1) is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Northeast's Charles Martin Memorial Stadium.

Since the Catholic League joined the PIAA in 2008, the Vikings have claimed six straight District 12 titles by a combined score of 292-56. Their closest margin of victory was 49-28 over Bok in 2012.

Few expect Steve Devlin's squad to overpower the latest Public League AAA representative. The Panthers, with a high-octane offense and considerable up-front size, have won nine straight games by a cumulative total of 532-66.

Imhotep has a feared one-two rushing punch in Tyliek Raynor and Mike Waters, and a solid pass-catch duo in Andre Dreuitt-Parks and D.J. Moore.

Wood counters with speedy tailback Jarrett McClenton, who has rushed for nearly 1,400 yards and 23 touchdowns; bruising fullback Alex Arcangeli; and ever-improving quarterback Anthony Russo.

Here is a closer look at Saturday's contest.

Twitter. Follow @ozoneinq for live updates.

TV. Televised live on the Comcast Network.

Weather. A sunny, 39-degree day is forecast.

Spark plug. McClenton, a Villanova recruit, averages 11.2 yards per carry. "He's fast, he's very disciplined, and he recognizes all his blocks," Panthers coach Albie Crosby said.

Stout bunch. Imhotep's offensive line includes guard JohnCarlo Valentin (6-foot-4, 320 pounds) and tackles Yasir Durant (6-7, 335) and Antoine Williams (6-3, 285).

Targets. Russo's go-to receivers are Arcangeli, tight ends Christian Lohin and Jake Cooper, and wideout Mark Webb.

Big challenge. Wood cornerback Gianni Cruel likely will be matched against the high-leaping Moore, a Maryland recruit. Support will come from fellow backs Webb and McClenton.

Anchors. Imhotep's defense is led by end Qwamere Wright-Downing, end/linebacker Shaka Toney, linebacker Shaquille Jones, and safeties Seifuddin Black and Romeo Gunt.

In the middle. Wood's solid linebacking corps features Cooper, Justin Rubin, Nafeez Brown-Carter, and Sebastian Silva.

Quotable. "We're going to play Imhotep football," Crosby said. "We're going to play fast, be aggressive, and be ready to compete."

Up front. The Vikings' stalwart O-line is headed by tackle Ryan Bates (6-5, 285), center Ryan Neher (6-3, 355), and guard Tom Cardozo (6-1, 235).

Pick. With continued ground success and timely passing, Wood advances, 35-21.