DANVERS — Central Catholic came to Glatz Field hoping to carry over momentum from last week’s huge upset win over Everett.
But St. John’s Prep had other ideas.
A punishing defense prevented the Raiders from getting anything going offensively, and St. John’s won 21-0 to earn a trip to Gillette Stadium for the Division 1 state title game against Catholic Memorial on December 1.
“I’m really happy for these kids,” said Prep coach Brian St. Pierre. “We’ve had more injuries this year than I can ever remember, but each time somebody else stepped up.”
It was second time this season the Eagles bested Central Catholic, winning back in September, 31-12.
St. John’s got off to a great start on the opening possession. The Eagles drove 45 yards, capped by a 3-yard touchdown run by Andover’s Trent Tully. The senior running back, who took over the starting job due to injury, carried the ball 23 times for 74 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the day.
Despite a strong wind, Prep QB Matt Crowley completed 10 of 13 attempts for 169 yards, and broke the Prep’s record for passing yards in a single season with 1,550. The old record belonged to Andover’s Ollie Eberth (1,461).
Crowley had success throwing to Wes Rockett (7 catches for 87 yards) and Luke Brennan (2-57).
“I want every one of my quarterbacks to break my record,” said St. Pierre, who held the mark until Eberth broke it. “Crowley has grown up in the position, and does a great job leading the offense.”
Central Catholic quarterback Jared Silverio was on the run throughout the contest, and was sacked six times. Anthony Caggianelli led the Raiders with five carries for 31 yards.
“This is an amazing feeling,” said senior captain James Taylor. “Our whole defense was playing out of our minds all game. I’m so happy for everyone. Going to the Super Bowl is amazing.”
The Eagles added another touchdown midway through the second quarter when Crowley connected with Luke Brennan across the middle for a 49-yard touchdown. Brennan caught the ball at the Raiders 37-yard line and raced untouched to pay dirt. After Sean Majeski booted the second of three PAT’s the lead was 14-0. St. Pierre called Brennan’s catch the play of the game.
“I don’t get targeted a lot, but when those moments happen I have to get up and make the catch,” said the senior wide receiver. “They were playing inside me all game, and the ball from Crowley was perfect.”
The Eagles came up empty in the red zone late in the third quarter after a 42-yard reception by Rockett gave them a first down at the 12-yard line. Majeski’s 23-yard field goal was just wide to the right after kicking into a stiff wind.
Tully put the game out of reach with an 8-yard touchdown run, bulling his way through the defense with 6:42 remaining in the game to wrap things up. The key to that drive was a 25-yard reception by tight end Anthony Fagan.
Central Catholic threatened on its next possession when Silverio (7 of 20 passing, 78 yards) completed a 36-yard lass to Cam Boes to the Eagles 36. But a long ball intended for Shaun Morgan at the goal line fell incomplete. On the next play James Taylor and Hanley combined for another sack, forcing a punt.
“We’re not done yet; we’ve got two huge games coming up (Xaverian at Fenway Park and the state title game),” said St. Pierre. “Our defense was just outstanding all game, and we’ve been stout all year. This was a total team effort, and so many different guys performed well. We’ll enjoy it for a couple of days, and then get back to work.”
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Football, 11/10/18 » 0 Comments & 0.0 Stars
