Wood is catalyst for Santa Clara’s success

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Let’s cut right to the chase: Santa Clara is only going as far as Cierre Wood takes the Saints in the Mid-Valley Division playoffs, which begin Friday. And make no mistake, the junior running back, one of the more high-profile recruits in the nation, is capable of carrying this team far, perhaps to the championship game on Dec. 8.

Second-seeded Santa Clara’s first-round opponent is Village Christian. After that, Blair, maybe La Salle, could provide a challenge. But it appears as if top-seeded Paraclete, which is on the opposite side of the bracket, poses the most serious threat to Wood & Co., provided the Spirits don’t stumble against someone like Bishop Diego or La Puente.

Wood nearly singlehandedly carried Santa Clara to victory during the sectional quarterfinals a season ago, accounting for 401 yards of total offense and three touchdowns in a 41-38 loss to Duarte. He did his best, no doubt about it. His best, however, will have to be better this time around. If not, don’t be surprised if the Saints come up short -- far short of expectations.

-- Sean Ceglinsky

Image from www.santaclarahighschool.com