Xaverian Hawks Surge Past Springfield Central to Reach Super Bowl

Xaverian High School’s football team demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming an early 14-point deficit to defeat Springfield Central 36-22 in the Div. 1 state semifinals held at Milford High School on November 4, 2023. With this victory, the Hawks secured a spot in the Div. 1 Super Bowl for the third consecutive year.

Quarterback Will Wood showcased his skills by throwing four touchdown passes, leading the No. 3 seed Hawks to triumph over the No. 2 seed Golden Eagles. “I thought it showed great resiliency in our young men,” said Xaverian coach Al Fornaro. His team adjusted their strategy at halftime, focusing on spreading the field and increasing their passing game to complement their rushing attack.

Xaverian (9-2) began the second half with renewed energy, scoring the first two touchdowns. The first came from a 65-yard catch-and-run play from Wood to sophomore Rocco Sestito, followed by a six-yard reception from senior captain Dave Chiavegato.

“The intensity wasn’t what it needed to be in the first half,” reflected senior captain Christian McIntyre regarding their performance. “We had to execute in the second half and we did.”

Springfield Central (9-2) responded with aggression, blocking a punt which led to a nine-yard touchdown run by junior Jareth Staine. Following a successful two-point conversion by junior Isaiah Rogers, the Golden Eagles reclaimed the lead at 22-21 with 10:40 remaining in the game.

Xaverian quickly countered, scoring on their next two possessions. The first touchdown was a 24-yard reception from Wood to McIntyre, followed by a 28-yard rushing touchdown from senior Nico Tordiglione. With just 7:11 left on the clock, Tordiglione finished the scoring, capping an impressive comeback.

McIntyre also ended the game on a high note, securing an interception as Xaverian managed the remaining time effectively. “Just training with these coaches, they teach me very well,” McIntyre said. “They teach me a lot of things that I do in the game, and it means a lot to have these types of coaches tell me what to do.”

The Golden Eagles struck first during the opening half, taking advantage of a fumble recovery by sophomore Xavier Thomas, who returned the ball to the Xaverian 17-yard line. Despite a sack by senior Julian Aoun, Staine connected with junior Kodi Massey for a 27-yard touchdown. This early score set Springfield Central ahead 6-0 with 3:47 remaining in the first quarter.

Following a three-and-out by Xaverian, Springfield Central’s offense quickly capitalized again. Rogers rushed six yards for a touchdown, and a successful two-point conversion placed the Golden Eagles firmly in control at 14-0 early in the second quarter.

Xaverian responded with a determined 10-play, 69-yard drive, which included two critical fourth-down conversions from senior Bryce Todd. A 29-yard completion to McIntyre set up an eight-yard touchdown catch from Wood, narrowing the gap to 14-7 before halftime. “It’s huge,” Fornaro noted about the importance of scoring before the break. “To pick up those first downs and be able to score was obviously paramount.”

The upcoming weeks will see Xaverian face off against St. John’s Prep not only on Thanksgiving but also again in the Div. 1 Super Bowl, promising an exciting clash between two competitive teams.