#5 Xaverian Breakdown

When you've been as dominant as Xaverian, everyone seems to want to kick you while you're down.  Proof?  The Hawks dropped from #2 to #8 in Boston.com's weekly ranking.  ESPN Boston dealt an even bigger blow, moving them out of the top 10 and into the #13 spot.  But let's be completely honest with ourselves; do we really think there are 5 teams in the state better than the Hawks?  And beyond that, with all the talk of them falling off, don't you think this team will be playing the rest of their games with a LeBron James-ego sized chip on their shoulder?  Here are a few things you should know about them. 

• Chris Calvanese can beat you by himself.  The great thing about Xaverian teams is they are never reliant on a single player.  But if they needed to be, Calvanese has all the tools to lead them to a victory, no matter what defense is lined up across from him.  His development has been incredible.  After leading the Junior Varsity last year, he has accounted for nine total touchdowns, seven of those coming through the air.  His decision making has been questionable at times, but that will almost surely improve with experience.
• Their defensive backfield can play with anyone.  Richard Rodgers may be the biggest receiving threat in the state, but Xaverian has the talent to keep him from turning this into a blowout.  Nick McDaniels is a top five defensive back prospect, and overall they are made up of fundamentally sound athletes who play well against both the run and the pass.  Their abilities were best exemplified when they kept the high flying Brockton and Everett attacks in check.  Rodgers will get his numbers, but I don't see him pacing SJS to another rout.
• The linebackers and defensive linemen make this unit click.  Xaverian plays fast, low, and hard.  That's exactly what they'll need this week.  Chris Tamasi is one of the best in the state at reading and reacting to plays.  Zach Bartlett is an exceptionally sure tackler.  Kevin Ihlefeld is capable of demanding a double team.  This unit has been consistent all year, and they are the single biggest reason Xaverian is capable of pulling off the "upset" this weekend.  SJS has played some very talented teams, but nothing quite like what they will see from this bunch. 

Xaverian by the Numbers

- Points Scored: 164 (23.4 ppg)

- Points Allowed: 76 (10.9 ppg)

- Margin of Victories: 105 (132-27)

- Margin of Defeats: 17 (49-32)

- Passing Touchdown Leader: Chris Calvanese (7)

- Rushing Touchdown Leader: Joe Colton (9)

- Receiving Touchdown Leader: Mike Muir (4)

- Total Touchdown Leader: Two Tied with 9

- Longest Win Streak: 5

- Longest Losing Streak: 2