Xaverian shuts out Brockton in playoff matchup

WESTWOOD — The outcome Friday night between Xaverian and Brockton is one the two schools have grown accustomed to over the last decade.

The Hawks continued to flex their muscles against the Boxers and turn the storied rivalry into a completely one-sided affair.

Third-seeded and two-time defending state champion Xaverian opened up the Division 1 state tournament Friday night by using a sensational defensive performance to throttle No. 14 Brockton, 33-0, at the Hawk Bowl.

It was the 11th win for Xaverian (7-2) against Brockton (3-6) in the last 12 meetings between the sides, and the Hawks have outscored the Boxers by a combined 158-19 margin in the last four matchups.

“For us to now be the dominant team in this rivalry, I like that. I’m not going to say I’m sad with that,” Xaverian head coach Al Fornaro said. “But kudos to them, they have gotten better. Their kids did not quit; they played hard. But it does feel good.”

Brockton’s Wilmer Perallon chases down a Xaverian ball carrier during Xaverian’s 33-0 football victory. (Libby O’Neill/Boston Herald)

Xaverian junior quarterback Will Wood, who completed 8-of-12 throws for 130 yards, tossed three of his four touchdown passes in the first half and senior wide receiver Christian McIntyre totaled four touchdowns as the dynamic duo powered the Hawks to a 26-0 lead at the break.

McIntyre put an exclamation point on the stellar defensive showing, in which Xaverian held the Boxers to 99 yards of total offense and forced two turnovers, when he picked off a pass and returned it 44 yards with 2:15 left in the first half.

“Our linebackers and D-line played great and our whole secondary also excelled at a lot of things,” McIntyre said. “I’m definitely proud of my guys.”

McIntyre also played a massive role on offense in a dominant first half for Xaverian. The Hawks opened the scoring midway through the first quarter when Wood escaped the pocket and found his favorite target in McIntyre for a 7-0 lead.

Brockton’s defense provided resistance on Xaverian’s next series, but the Hawks converted two fourth downs on a 13-play, 57-yard drive and Wood capped the possession with an 8-yard touchdown pass to junior tight end Richie Edgehille for a 13-0 advantage.

Xaverian’s offense then showed its quick-strike capability as on the first play of its third drive, Wood rolled to his right and tossed up a deep ball for McIntyre, who came down with it for a 48-yard touchdown.

Wood and McIntyre, who went over 1,000 yards receiving on the season, connected for one more score in the third quarter — this time from 29 yards out — as the dynamic duo repeatedly set the tone for the Hawks.

“The work those two put in during the summer time, during practice and after practice benefits,” Fornaro said. “It’s almost becomes they have a second sense, you know where he’s going to be as a play breaks down.”

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