Football preview: St. John’s Prep hopes to put a dent in Xaverian’s armor

After nearly defeating Everett for a chance to play in next Saturday?s Division 1 Super Bowl, St. John?s Prep turns its attention to its other rival, Xaverian, for the annual Thanksgiving Day matchup.Unlike most other Thanksgiving games, though, this one counts toward a league championship as the Catholic Conference opted out of playing rival games during the regular season. The Prep — despite its two losses to Everett — and Xaverian are both unbeaten in the league. “Last week was as emotional of a loss as possible, and that really showed up during practice,” said first-year coach Brian St. Pierre of his team?s 31-24 loss to Everett. “I feel we have finally put that game behind us, and are now refocused for Xaverian.?We had three goals this season, which were make the playoffs, make it to the Super Bowl, and capture the league title on Thanksgiving Day. We still have the chance to accomplish two of these, which is impressive. I am very proud of my guys this year, but we still have one mountain to climb.”The Eagles (8-2) travel to Xaverian (10-0). St. Pierre knows his team will have to play almost perfectly if it expects to knock off the team that will play Everett in the Super Bowl.?What can I say about Xaverian other than they are great team?” St. Pierre said. “They are fundamentally sound in all three phases of the game. I feel our team will be up for the challenge, and has the ability to be great in all three phases.?We have only lost to one team (Everett) all year, and have played near perfect otherwise. I know if we can impose our will, style, and be the most physical team on the field, then we will have a chance to upend Xaverian.”Both St. John?s and Xaverian have an abundance of talent. The Eagles are led by Jake Burt, a senior who has committed to Boston College, wide receiver Owen Rockett, tailback Cody Harwood and free safety Art Churchwell.The Hawks bring the senior duo of defensive end Joe Graziano, who has committed to Northwestern University, and defensive back Damion Wood, who has committed to Coastal Carolina.St. Pierre feels even a short list of players of this caliber from both team is one of the main reasons why this rivalry is the best in the state.?What makes this rivalry unique is the amount of talent on the field every year,” he said. “I do not know the exact number of players that move on to play Division I college football from both programs each year, but I believe it?s the most in Massachusetts.?The caliber of play is so high that this game becomes quite the spectacle to see, and that is the type of game I expect to be on showcase Thursday morning.”