Smith made three catches for more than 40 yards, two of them for TDs. In the second quarter, the senior hooked up with quarterback Joey Monaghan for two 30-plus catches on the same drive. With 1 minute, 23 seconds left before halftime, the quarterback found Smith down the right sideline and aired out a beautiful pass that Smith hauled in over his shoulder.
That sent the No. 2-ranked Vikings into halftime with a 14-0 lead, after their offense appeared dormant throughout the first quarter. Smith's 45-yard catch on the last play of the first period appeared to be a fresh breath for the Vikings, as Ryan McMullin rushed for the first of his two touchdowns on the next play.
"I want to make plays for my team so I can help my team in every way," said Smith, who bought the shoes before the season to match the Wood uniforms after he transferred from George Washington.
Earlier this week, Smith put off the announcement of his college decision because of the Catholic teachers' strike. He said he has made up his mind up and is just waiting to announce the choice.
After capturing the PIAA Class AA state title last season, West Catholic stands at 0-2, including last week's disappointing loss to Roman Catholic in Wildwood. Junior David Williams led the Burrs on Saturday, as he rushed for 205 yards on 33 carries.
Midway through the third quarter, Smith showed his ability to get open in the middle of the field and break coverage. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder hauled in a 10-yard pass and sprinted the rest of the way for a 65-yard score.
Monaghan said the play showed the speed of the wideout and the advantage he has over opponents. Monaghan finished with 284 yards on 8-for-10 passing.
"It makes it a lot easier for me, having him," Monaghan said. Smith said the two felt comfortable Saturday but still need to work on a few things.
Wood's defense was equally impressive in the shutout, forcing two red-zone turnovers that led to scores on the other end. A second-quarter forced fumble on the 7-yard line led to Smith's 51-yard score.
A turnover on downs in the third quarter on the 12-yard line not only took Wood's Brandon Peoples off the hook for his fumble a few plays earlier but put into motion McMullin's second score.
West Catholic 0 0 0 0 – 0
Archbishop Wood 0 14 14 0 – 28
AW: McMullin 15 run (Visco kick)
AW: Smith 51 pass from Monaghan (Visco kick)
AW: McMullin 20 run (Visco kick)
AW Smith 65 pass from Monaghan (Visco kick)
Contact staff writer Matt Breen at mbreen@phillynews.com or @matt_breen on Twitter.
