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XAVERIAN vs. ST JOHN’S PREP
The Battle for the Brother William Drinan, C.F.X. Trophy
Thanksgiving football in Massachusetts is as much a part of many families’ holiday as turkey and stuffing. It’s often a celebration of rivalry games that, in many cases, have been played for decades. And it’s not uncommon for the game to be considered as important as a team’s Super Bowl. Toss out the records, kick the ball off, and do the best you can to beat your rival--that’s Thanksgiving football. In the hyper-competitive Catholic Conference, it is not uncommon for one team to be preparing for their actual Super Bowl when they meet their rival on the gridiron on Thanksgiving day. With Xaverian and St. John’s Prep, one or the other team has played for the Division 1 State Championship every season since 2012. The teams have won a combined five championships over that time period. With the level of talent on display, the Hawks vs. the Eagles is typically considered one of the premier games in the state as the two teams battle for the coveted Brother William Drinan, C.F.X. trophy.
This year, things are different. Just as there are no large family gatherings for the holiday, there is also no high school football. The trials and tribulations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have been well documented, and while coaches and players alike are making the best of the altered season, there’s definitely a feeling of loss over the lack of “turkey day” football. However, while there may be no game between St. John’s Prep and Xaverian this November, it does allow us the perfect opportunity to look back at some of our favorite moments from games gone by. While there have been 52 matchups between the two schools (the Hawks lead the overall series 30-22), the game was officially moved to a Thanksgiving Day matchup in 1992 (Hawks again lead the series 18-10). Our look back will focus on the games played on Thanksgiving. Here are some of our favorites, in no particular order.
2015 - Highlights: Xaverian 14, Prep 0
The first high school football game played at historic Fenway Park since the 1940’s was a throwback in style as well. The game was a defensive battle played with the Catholic Conference title hanging in the balance. An interception returned for a touchdown by Colin Lama swung the momentum, and ultimately the game, in Xaverian’s favor. Additional photos of the game can be found here.
1992 - Xaverian 60, Prep 20
The first game in the series that was moved to Thanksgiving, featured future NFL players Greg Comella ’92, P ’24 and Matt Hasselbeck ’93, as well as Xaverian’s own Head of School, Dr. Jacob Conca ’94. Together the Hawks secured the Brother William Drinan, C.F.X. trophy for a convincing victory.
2018 - Highlights: Xaverian 14, Prep 12
While the Prep had already moved on to a date with Catholic Memorial for the Division 1 Super Bowl, the Catholic Conference title was still up for grabs and the big game was once again taking place at Fenway Park. Deciding not to rest their starters and to play for the league title, St. John’s Prep fell just short. Xaverian quarterback Michael Berluti ’21 rushed for a 10-yard touchdown to open the scoring in the first quarter and the Hawk’s defense did the rest, stifling the Eagles’ offense for much of the night. Photos of the game can be found on our Flickr account.
2014 - Highlights: Xaverian 34, Prep 13
A surprise snowstorm added to the excitement and tension for this one, as the field was blanketed before plows from Gillette Stadium arrived to clean up. On a fresh field, Noah Sorrento ’15 exploded for 177 yards and four touchdowns. The defense recovered two second-half fumbles and the team moved on to win the Division 1 Super Bowl over Everett.
2013 - Recap: Xaverian 28, Prep 22
Despite losing a number of key starters to injury in the first half, the next men up produced a gutsy effort up at the Prep’s home field. Quarterback Jake Farell ’15 connected on a touchdown with under 30 seconds to go in the game, before also tacking on the two-point conversion to extend the lead. The win secured the Catholic Conference title for the Hawks.
2017 - Xaverian 30, Prep 0
Traveling up to Danvers is never an easy trip, but the 2017 team made it seem that way with a dominating performance on the road. Ike Irabor ’17 ran for more than 150 yards and two touchdowns as the Hawks blanked the Eagles on the scoreboard.
2016 - Highlights: Xaverian 6, Prep 0
A Wednesday night under the lights was the setting for an all time defensive battle between the two powerhouse teams. The Hawks defense controlled the game from the outset, only allowing Prep to cross the 50-yard line once throughout the first half.
2009 - Xaverian 21, Prep 16
With the chance to remain undefeated hanging in the balance, Alex Phelen ’09 and Joe Colton ’11 led the way for the Hawks. Photos of the game can be found on our Flickr account. The team rode that momentum into a shutout victory over Everett to finish the season undefeated and become the Division 1 state champions.
1995 - Xaverian 45, Prep 0
With the field frozen solid both teams tried anything to maintain their footing, trying both cleats and sneakers at times. Quarterback Tim Hasselbeck led a dominating wire-to-wire performance, and the Hawks also got big contributions from Jon Zadrozny ’96, P ’26, Bill Polin ’95, and Brian Doaust ’97.
2011 - Xaverian 28, Prep 21
Sitting at an unusual 5-5 record, there was one chance left on the schedule for the 2011 Hawks to make a statement. A balanced effort offensively and a defense that made the right plays was just enough to put them over the top. Photos of the game can be found on our Flickr account.
Xaverian Brothers High School
Xaverian is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for boys in grades 7-12. As an inclusive community, we embrace diverse experiences and perspectives, welcoming students and families from all faiths and backgrounds. Through exceptional academics, athletics, the arts, faith formation, and service opportunities, we help young men discover their unique gifts and talents so they can share them with a world in need.
