Two rushing-oriented offenses – Needham and defending champion Xaverian – are set to battle for the Division 1 Super Bowl on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium.
Needham (12-0) is thrilled to be back at Gillette after knocking off St. John’s Prep 22-14 in the semifinal.
“It means a ton,” said Needham head coach Doug Kopcso. “We’re really excited to get back there. A few of us were here for our first trip to Gillette back in 2011, and to be able to do it with this group that has worked so hard to get there, it’s just an awesome experience for everybody.”
Griffin Carr is the quarterback of a Needham offense which is averaging over 29 points per game.
“He has great charisma,” Kopcso said. “Great command of the offense, tremendous leadership, and he’s a very selfless player. … Every time we call upon him, we know that he’s ready to make a big play, whether that’s through the air or even with his feet like he showed last week.”
Running back Aidan Williams rushed for a touchdown against St. John’s Prep and two scores against Wellesley on Thanksgiving.
“He’s almost too good to be real,” said Kopsco. “He makes great adjustments both in the film room and on the field.”
One should not overlook wide receiver Brandt Bickford, as well as Charlie Simeone and the offensive line, which open up holes for Williams.
On defense, the Rockets have a dependable defensive end in West Point-bound Will McDonald. Alex Rutley is a talented pass rusher and run stopper. Middle linebacker Ben Schreiber anchors the defense and is capable of coming away with interceptions.
Xaverian (8-4) returns to Gillette after defeating BC High, 31-14. The Hawks put their trust in quarterback Will Wood and running back Vincent Busa.
“Will is a sophomore and obviously it’s his first year starting,” said Xaverian head coach Al Fornaro. “He’s still learning, as any sophomore would. But he’s starting to come on his own especially in the running game. Vincent has been a workhorse. He can get the tough yard just as well by running by somebody or running over you.”
Wide receivers David Chiavegato and Christian McIntyre double as a free safety and a cornerback, respectively. Defensive end Dominic Funke has six FBS offers, while Micah Amedee is a Boston College commit. Defensively, Xaverian will have its work cut out for it against a tough Needham offense.
“We can’t let them control the clock and go on long, sustained drives because obviously it’s very difficult to score if you don’t have the ball,” Fornaro said. “We have to be able to control the ball and limit any explosive plays they may have.”
Needham vs. Xaverian
Thursday, 5:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium
Head coach: Doug Kopcso
Needham 24, Milton 0
Needham 20, Natick 7
Needham 34, Lincoln-Sudbury 8
Needham 43, Newton North 8
Needham 21, Walpole 10
Needham 31, Braintree 9
Needham 21, Weymouth 3
Needham 37, Framingham 0
Needham 49, Wachusett 13
Needham 31, Central Catholic 7
Needham 22, St. John’s Prep 14
Needham 20, Wellesley 13
Head coach: Al Fornaro
Xaverian 35, Bishop Feehan 14
Xaverian 56, Everett 27
Springfield Central 28, Xaverian 20
Xaverian 28, Central Catholic 20
Catholic Memorial 40, Xaverian 37
BC High 30, Xaverian 13
Xaverian 35, Malden Catholic 13
Xaverian 56, St. John’s (Shrewsbury) 13
Xaverian 41, Brockton 6
Xaverian 35, Leominster 20
Xaverian 31, BC High 14
St. John’s Prep 23, Xaverian 6
Needham will appearing in its second championship game, having lost to BC High (21-7) in 2011. Xaverian will be playing in its 16th title game and has won the grand prize on nine occasions, including last year when it defeated Catholic Conference rival St. John’s Prep, 31-23. Henry Hasselbeck threw for 101 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 122 rushing yards.
These teams met in the Div. 1 state semifinals last year with Xaverian emerging with a hard-fought 20-17 victory. Many of those same Needham players are back this year and have been set on getting to Gillette. Can the Rockets take the final step and bring home the school’s first championship? The guess here is yes.
Pick: Needham