Prep and Xaverian always a tense affair

St. John’s Prep’s football team will look to make it seven wins in the last eight years against arch nemesis Xaverian on Thanksgiving.”It always comes down to the last few minutes when we play,” Eagles coach Jim O’Leary said. “The rivalry has always been back-and-forth with them having some runs and us having some runs.”While the playoffs hopes disappeared when the Eagles fell to Boston College High School last week, there is a sense of urgency in the Prep. Despite facing one of the state’s toughest schedules, which featured perennial powerhouses Everett, Brockton and Dracut in successive weeks, the Eagles have the opportunity to have a winning season with a win on turkey day.”We’re proud of our team,” said O’Leary. “We’ve been in every single game, and sometimes the bounces just didn’t go our way. Now we’re just playing for pride. I mean if you’re from this state and you don’t get excited for Thanksgiving, you shouldn’t play this game.”The Prep started the season on a roll. It handily defeated the first three opponents: Masconomet (36-19), Peabody (35-14) and Central Catholic (28-16). This set up a match up with Everett, who had not lost in over two seasons.George Sessoms tore off a 65-yard run and 95-yard run to lead the Eagles past Everett 20-7.”The guys had no time to celebrate the win,” said O’Leary. “It was kind of disappointing that despite the magnitude of the win, they had to be ready for Brockton (in only four days).”The Eagles (5-5) stood atop a pedestal after defeating Everett. However, it wouldn’t last long, as St. John’s would lose its next four games.”If you had told me at the beginning of the season that we would start off 4-0 and beat Everett – I would have thought we would be in much better shape,” said O’Leary. “During the losing streak we weren’t getting the breaks. I think everyone is disappointed that the season will be over after Thanksgiving.”The Prep would split the last two games between Malden Catholic (a 34-6 win) and BC High (a 21-7 loss).One of the most pleasant surprises this season was the emergence of quarterback Greg Donahue. The senior quarterback has thrived ever since winning the position. His best game came against Central Catholic where he went 10-11 for 305 yards and three touchdowns.”(Donahue) controls and manages the game very well,” said O’Leary. “He has had some truly outstanding games. It’s great to see a one-year starter have such a great senior year.”Brendan Felder has been the big-play threat all-season long. Swampscott-native Andrew McHugh has had a great season playing fullback and on defense. Seniors Andrew Knotlon, Zach Kline, Andrew Valeri have had outstanding seasons manning the offensive line.The Eagles will have their hands full on defense as Ellis Phelan and Anthony Knight lead the Xaverian offensive attack.