He speaks from experience. Wood won titles in 1995 and 1996, only to lose to Archbishop Ryan in 1997.
History isn't the only thing standing in the way of the Vikings, either. Hanging over their heads is a lay teachers' strike that could disrupt the Vikings season, depending on its outcome.
"When a strike in - I believe it was 2003 - went into its second week, they suspended all sports," Cappo said. "If I recall, the strike only lasted six days. We lost a few nonleague games. It didn't affect the league season."
So far, Cappo says, the strike has not been a distraction. Weather kept some students from opening school Thursday. Administrators are working in place of the teachers.
Wood has already opened its soccer season on a solid note by beating an always-competitive Central Bucks South, 2-0. The Titans handed the Vikings their only loss before the state final last season.
Cappo said his players see the win over South as a good sign.
"The kids are asking what's going on with the strike," Cappo said, "but I hope it won't be a problem."
Wood's Kelsey Celline, one of the leading scorers in the area last season with 35 goals, was determined that the strike wasn't going to bother her.
She was more worried about how opponents are going to defend her now that they have learned she's naturally a left-footed kicker. That threw off some defenders before this season.
"I've been working on my right foot," the speedy Celline said.
Cappo says that working to replace a handful of key graduates has helped put the strike out of mind for the players. The Vikings lost standout Christine Verrelle along with her midfield partners, Monica Re and Rachel Friend, along with backs Brianna Heck and Danielle Kane.
Cappo is counting on senior Jackie Pierson to step into Verrelle's shoes in the middle. Asked if she felt any special pressure stepping in for Verrelle, Pierson said she did not.
"I think we have the strength to be a very good team," Pierson said.
"She'll be fine," Celline added. "Jackie's been tested."
Cappo has other tested players, including Bethany Bartasavich and goalie Deanna Messner. Bartasavich contributed 18 goals to go with Celline's 35 last season.
A freshman last season, Messner shared time in goal, but Cappo thinks she's ready to go full time now.
Asked who will be the toughest league opponents, Pierson quickly pointed to Archbishop Ryan and Lansdale Catholic, the team Wood beat for the title a year ago.
"I hope it all works out and the strike ends quickly," Celline said. "This is our senior year, and I want it to end perfectly with another Catholic League championship."
Contact staff writer Don Beideman at 267-815-0733 or dbeideman@phillynews.com.
