MILFORD – Dominic Funke’s knuckles streaked blood along the top of his right hand. But as the Xaverian football senior defensive end went to shake with it, a big smile beamed across his face.

This is one of the lasting images after the third-seeded Hawks’ (9-2) 36-22 comeback win over No. 2 Springfield Central in the Division I state semifinal at Milford Saturday afternoon, as they battled past an arduous first half to advance to their third straight Super Bowl.

Funke was one of several defensive standouts to help the two-time reigning state champions limit the Golden Eagles (9-2) to 207 yards from scrimmage, giving the offense time to finally find the rhythm it needed for a 29-point second half.

Senior quarterback Will Wood (13-for-23, 208 yards, four touchdowns, 59 rushing yards) toss

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