By John Knebels • Posted December 16, 2013

This past weekend at Hershey Park Stadium, Archbishop Wood and St. Joseph’s Prep proved they were more than just Catholic League champions. They were the top programs in the entire state.

That said, thank goodness for second halves.

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In the PIAA Class AAA final Friday night, Wood trailed 3-0 at halftime before its offense took complete control of the final two quarters. When it was over, the Vikings had defeated Bishop McDevitt of Harrisburg, 22-10.

Two nights later, the Class AAAA championship offered an eerily similar storyline. The Prep was down, 10-7, at halftime against previously undefeated Pittsburgh Central Catholic. Then quarterback Chris Martin led the Hawks’ offense to four unanswered touchdowns while the Prep defense was relentless as the Hawks rolled to a 35-10 victory.

Since the Catholic League joined the PIAA in 2008, they have seized an incredible five state football titles. In addition to this weekend, Wood also won the AAA in 2011. La Salle captured the AAAA championship in 2009, and West Catholic took the AA crown in 2010.

Watch for expanded coverage on these championships later this week on CatholicPhilly.com.