EVERETT — Entering opening week, the Xaverian trustworthy and the Massachusetts highschool soccer neighborhood shared a giant query — how would former Belmont Hill standout Henry Hasselbeck regulate to the MIAA?
Based on early observations, you’d should assume seamlessly. The junior quarterback completed with 226 yards to go together with three touchdowns passing in his first sport with the Hawks, whereas senior working again Michael Oates added 18 carries for 165 yards and three whole touchdowns himself, as Xaverian made a press release with a convincing 49-19 rout at archrival Everett Friday evening.
“I think for (Hasselbeck), it was a good litmus test,” mentioned Xaverian coach Al Fornaro. “He had to weather the storm himself because it is the first time for him playing (here). No disrespect to that league he came from, but like I said, this was a very good football team. And we’re going to play many more good football teams… his mind settled down. He was able to see the field, and do what we had to do. I’m very happy with his performance.”
Junior wideout Jonathan Monteiro additionally made headlines for Xaverian, with three touchdowns total.
After transferring to the Catholic Conference faculty this previous summer season, Hasselbeck opened his Xaverian profession by tossing a ravishing, 44-yard Hail Mary go to Monteiro. The junior wideout made a stumbling catch over a nook, and fell into the tip zone to supply the Hawks a fast 7-0 lead with 9:23 to play within the first quarter.
Everett answered early within the second stanza, as Damian Lackland took a handoff then bowled his approach to pay grime for a 33-yard landing to even the rating.
But seconds later, Monteiro returned the kickoff 95 yards for a rating to place Xaverian forward 14-7. The Hawks by no means seemed again.
With 2:18 to play within the third quarter, Oates delivered the ultimate, backbreaking play to seal issues for Xaverian, as he hauled in a display go from Hasselbeck within the open area. The senior discovered a convoy main his manner, and took off for a 79-yard landing. At that time, the Hawks have been on cruise management, up 42-19.
Last week, the UConn baseball commit was taking part within the ‘A Shot For Life’ Home Run Derby. Just a few days later, Oates discovered himself making highlights on the gridiron as soon as once more.
“I saw that the quarterback was in trouble,” mentioned Oates. I wasn’t actually designed to be out within the flats that play, however I noticed him with no person to throw to. So I sort of leaked out, and he discovered me. I had a ton of blockers like I had in entrance of me all evening.”
Xaverian entered the season ranked second total within the Herald’s newest Sweet 16 rankings.
Hasselbeck believes he might help the Hawks stay a state title contender.
“Friday night football is crazy,” chuckled Hasselbeck. “I grew up a little bit in the South, that’s what was big down there. I used to go to football Saturday mornings (in the Independent School League). It’s kind of different. It’s more of a college-feel there. But this? Friday night lights? There’s nothing better.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com