In a preview of the MIAA Division 1 state championship, the Xaverian Hawks got the better of the St. John’s Prep Eagles with a 21-18 win. In a game where explosive offense was expected, both defenses came to play.

“It was a little nerve-racking, but I trust our young men,” Xaverian coach Al Fornaro said. “These are things that have been programmed in the same practices, short yardage, goal line, end of game situations. If you win the situational game, you’re going to win most of the time.”

The Eagles won the coin toss and elected to defer, giving Will Wood and the Hawks the chance to strike first. Xaverian began the opening drive on its own 39-yard line.

The Hawks faced an early fourth down but went for it and converted. Will Wood found success with short passes and eventually found the

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