WESTWOOD — Some have been billing Friday night time’s conflict between Springfield Central and Xaverian as the sport of the week, as two of the state’s finest collided.
In a battle to recollect, Jareth Staine led the Golden Eagles to its largest win of the season. The junior quarterback went 5-for-8 passing with 146 yards, whereas including 59 yards dashing to go together with three complete touchdowns as Springfield Central defeated a Catholic Convention nemesis, 28-20.
“It all the time feels good to return out right here and win,” Staine mentioned. “I did it my freshman 12 months, we got here out right here and gained. Final 12 months, they got here out to us and we gained. So it all the time feels good to play a Catholic Convention workforce and are available out on high.”
Seeking to defend its turf, Xaverian (2-1) got here out firing to start out. After receiving the opening kickoff, the Hawks marched up the sector in simply over two minutes, as senior working again Kyle Celestin shocked a tackler on his approach to the tip zone for a nine-yard landing rush. Within the blink of an eye fixed, it was a 7-0 sport.
After junior Zander Govostes drilled a 22-yard subject aim to push Xaverian’s result in 10-0 later within the body, Springfield Central (2-1) answered. The Golden Eagles did so in explosive style, as junior standout Isaiah Rogers discovered a seam and broke off a powerful 57-yard landing rush to slice the deficit to 10-6 late within the opening body.
The chess match continued moments later, propelled by Xaverian quarterback Will Wooden. With 7:32 to play within the first half, the junior fooled the Golden Eagles protection with a play-action pretend, firing a seven-yard landing strike to Richie Edgehille. Instantly, it appeared the Hawks have been about to drag away with a 17-6 benefit.
Not so quick. Led by Staine, Springfield Central staged a rally.
Afterward, along with his workforce trailing 20-14 getting into the third quarter, the standout led his group on a powerful drive. Staine capped it with a four-yard landing rush, tying the sport at 20-all with 8:56 left within the body.
After Xaverian missed a go-ahead 36-yard subject aim try to finish the third, Staine determined to start the fourth and last quarter with considered one of his signature Hail Mary photographs. The junior fired a prayer as much as his favourite goal, Kodi Massey. Draped by defenders, the junior wideout corralled a miraculous catch within the purple zone, then one way or the other slipped free for a go-ahead 45-yard landing reception. Massey proceeded to punch in a two-point conversion rush off a direct snap, and Springfield Central had accomplished a rally to grab its first lead all night time. Instantly, it was a 28-20 sport with 11:08 to play.
Whereas Xaverian had one last alternative late, the Golden Eagles stood sturdy defensively. Anthony Whaley batted away a go from Wooden throughout a fourth-and-long sequence within the waning seconds, as his workforce held on to knock off the two-time reigning Div. 1 Tremendous Bowl champion.
“I feel it exhibits our satisfaction,” mentioned Springfield Central coach Invoice Watson. “I feel final 12 months once we performed them, we needed to come again as nicely. We’ve performed these guys a couple of occasions now over time, they usually normally come out quick. We all know we’ve to buckle down. It’s 4 quarters. It’s 4 quarters of soccer. Anyone got here again on us earlier within the 12 months, down two scores. If they’ll do it, we really feel like we are able to do it. We by no means panic. We stayed with the sport plan, and we performed issues out.”
