SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Central freshman defensive back Anthony Whaley picked quite the time to secure his first varsity interception.

As Xaverian was pushing down the field in the final minute to possibly tie the game, Whaley found an opening and picked off Will Wood’s pass to solidify the 28-20 win for the Eagles.

“I knew I had to make a play for my team,” Whaley said. “The quarterback threw the ball my way, which was a mistake.”

This helped the Eagles avenge a loss from the 2023 MIAA Division 1 State Tournament and prove that they are among the best teams in the state. However, the start of the game looked like it could be a rough night for the team.

Xaverian started with the ball and would only need five plays to score. This came when Wood connected with Dave Chiavegato for a 48-yard touchdown. The Eagles would have the ensuing drive derailed by penalties and would then punt it back to the Hawks.

Three plays later, Vincent Busa took it 45 yards for another Xaverian touchdown. A missed extra point meant that Springfield Central was in a 13-0 hole and head coach William Watson knew that the team needed to change their approach.

“We had a tough first quarter,” Watson said. “We made a few adjustments and started playing fast. We adjusted, settled in and I felt we were pretty good from the second quarter on.”

This started on the next drive when quarterback Jareth Staine connected with wide receiver Dwayne Early Jr. for a 40-yard gain and Jack Casey drove it in moments later.

Watson said that the Eagles focused on attacking the rushing game and showing the strong Hawks defense that they could handle them.

“In order to be a great team, you have to be able to run the ball against a great run defense,” coach said. “They are a great run defense.”

That would be the extent of the scoring in the first half but Springfield Central quickly made it 13-12 after Staine finished off a lengthy drive with a 10-yard rush.

“The game plan was to run at their defensive tackles and ends because we know they play both sides of the ball,” Staine said. “So, we just looked to pound them and we really did that in the second half.”

After forcing a punt, the Eagles would finally take a lead when Staine connected with Early for a 14-yard touchdown on a fourth-and-four situation. The defense would then force another punt and running back Ja’Cyion Cox took the first play to the house on a 70-yard run.

“I think it all starts with the offensive line,” coach said. “Physically, we were pretty good throughout the game. Our guys got stronger as the game went on. That’s a talented team and a team we will have to beat again.”

The game looked settled, but a Chiavegato kickoff return for touchdown made it a one-score game again. The Hawks would get the ball back with just over two minutes left, but that’s when Whaley sealed the deal.

“That’s what I’m here to do,” Whaley said. “I expected my first pick to come in a big moment and I expect more to come.”