2022 Season Preview: Springfield Central H.S. “Golden Eagles

<!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":402662,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/08/download-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-402662"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the calendar turns to August, we will kick off our high school coverage with New England Teams we are aware of and who caught our eye in 2021. These same programs we project to lead into 2022 season. In no particular order, we will begin with the 2022 Massachusetts Springfield Central "Golden Eagles" on their quest for another MIAA State Championship run. The program has been one of Massachusetts top programs being led by former Head Coach Valdamar Brower. The most recent coming in their first year playing in the MIAA Division 1 tournament. Brower will join the 2022 UMass Amherst coaching staff to coach the defensive line under Don Brown coaching staff. Coach Brower led Central High to three consecutive state titles. He is being replaced by Bill Watson. Watson was named the program's&nbsp;interim coach&nbsp;in December following the departure of former coach Valdamar Brower. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Overview: </strong>The 2022 Golden Eagles Team will be determined to live up to the winning standard it has created. This program is hopeful the 2022 team will reload to become another powerhouse within the Commonwealth once again. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2021 Season Results:</strong> <em>Springfield Central (10-2)</em><strong> —&nbsp;</strong>The Golden eagles lost on the opening weekend to&nbsp;Central Catholic. The only other loss was a defeat at the hands of an IMG Academy team that is a nationally ranked team. Catholic Memorial was a deserving No. 1 team, but if you want to make a comparison for the Golden Eagles, you surely can, and it's not a total stretch. Winning the Div. 1 crown is a heck of an accomplishment. This team will be loaded again in 2022. The Golden Eagles return six offensive starters, and the defense may be even better than it was in 2021. This program has made incredible progress in the last few years and is on track to stay as a powerhouse in Massachusetts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Toughest Losses to Graduation:</strong> Joe Griffin (WR) = Boston College, Travis Gause (OL) = Springfield College, Aaron Jones&nbsp;(DT) = Temple, &nbsp;Christopher Winslow (CB) = UNIV of New England, Brendan Guy (TE) = Williams College, Tukarryon Daniels (WR) = Undecided, Mehki Abdul (OL) = Bluefield State University, Zach Jones (DE) = Undecided</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PLAYERS TO WATCH:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e84294ae4f9","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["367916"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Watson is a pure Div 1 power 5 athlete. Currently has numerous FBS offers and recently committed to Nebraska.  He will be the leader from the QB position and is worth the price of admission to see in live action. HUDL: u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2GZb6Qu0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/v/2GZb6Qu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/WW3thefuture/status/1497393135621599233?s=20u0026t=6yDs68qnofVngGbTCsz7YA","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/WW3thefuture/status/1497393135621599233?s=20&amp;t=6yDs68qnofVngGbTCsz7YA </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e84723b40c7","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["368174"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Currently holds a slue of FBS/FCS offers including a few more he picked up during summer camp season from the IVY League.  Standing at 6'4u0022 245lbs with agility and quickness he is projected to be a force on edge. HUDL: u003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13371105/61af774a2aa7b206082896ecu0022u003ehttps://www.hudl.com/video/3/13371105/61af774a2aa7b206082896ecu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e9243b95b49","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["367895"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Is a force on the offensive line. He has great feet, flexibility, and uses his hands well while blocking, He checks all the boxes of strength, quickness, toughness, meanness, and nastiness.  Has FBS Offers and recently committed to Syracuse after picking up a offer during summer camp. HUDL: u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2GYcAKu0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/v/2GYcAKu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/jayden_bass/status/1554177213095878656?s=20u0026t=gUHww5Q_qGTlu5whj58xsQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jayden_bass/status/1554177213095878656?s=20&amp;t=gUHww5Q_qGTlu5whj58xsQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e926b395b4a","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["391918"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Jackson is a solid recruit.  He has elite speed and always willing to stretch the field to make the catch. He can break on the dime and handles the ball well during and after the catch.   Currently holds D1 offers and other schools may come on board after a good senior campaign. Had a great showing at the New England Bone Camp this summer. HUDL: u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2GaU1mu0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/v/2GaU1mu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/NGP_CoachSilva/status/1540023760237076480?s=20u0026t=gUHww5Q_qGTlu5whj58xsQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/NGP_CoachSilva/status/1540023760237076480?s=20&amp;t=gUHww5Q_qGTlu5whj58xsQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e92ec995b4b","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["368437"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Warrick is 6-0, 285 pound DT.  He is a very athletic defensive tackle.  He has a motor that doesn't quit.  Measurables appear to be the only mark for coaches hesitating.  However, this has changed this summer with Sacred Heart Univ officially offering.  The school who lands him will not regret his desire and game play he produces. Projected FCS/D2 Recruit. HUDL: u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2GYWVku0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/v/2GYWVku003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/nweitzer7/status/1466609684207394822?s=20u0026t=gUHww5Q_qGTlu5whj58xsQ","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/nweitzer7/status/1466609684207394822?s=20&amp;t=gUHww5Q_qGTlu5whj58xsQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e935a295b4d","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["391919"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u0022Thomasu0022 is a slippery RB who has the ability to take it to the house anytime. His outside running ability is outstanding. He runs with a obvious burst from the line of scrimmage with the ability to outrun his defenders in open field. Projected as a FCS/D2 recruit who received  an offer from Bucknell this summer. HUDL: u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/video/3/13371086/61ad842964df76065c0e73acu0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/video/3/13371086/61ad842964df76065c0e73acu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e93b5e18e15","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["367892"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Owens is a very large recruit.  His 2022 summer camp performances have earned him many D1 offers.  He will be sure to lead the Golden eagles within the trenches and could receive additional D1 opportunities after senior season. At 6'5 325lbs he has what many schools want. HUDL: u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2GZK3mu0022u003ehttp://www.hudl.com/v/2GZK3mu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>More Names to Know:</strong> 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='393833' first='Mesias' last='Lee']<strong>&nbsp;</strong>(LB), 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="402823" first="Justin" last="Brown"] (LB), 2023 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='392384' first='Kymari' last='Latney']</strong> (DB), 2023 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022 Schedule/Games to see:</strong> <em>Must games to see are noted below</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><td>Date/Time</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Location</td><td>Must see</td><td>League</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Sat Aug 27 10:00 AM</td><td>vs</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logo1871.png">Bishop Feehan High School</td><td>Springfield Central High School<br>Varsity Field (Berte Field)</td><td></td><td>S</td></tr><tr><td>Fri Sep 2 6:00 PM</td><td>@</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logo14716.png">Milford High School</td><td>Milford HS<br>Turf</td><td>Must see</td><td>S</td></tr><tr><td>Fri Sep 9 7:00 PM</td><td>@</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logo39680.png">Central Catholic High School</td><td>Veterans Memorial Stadium<br>Football Field</td><td>Must see</td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Fri Sep 16 7:00 PM</td><td>vs</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logoGeneric11.png">Boston College High School</td><td>Springfield Central High School<br>Varsity Field (Berte Field)</td><td></td><td>N</td></tr><tr><td>Sat Sep 24 1:00 PM</td><td>vs</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logoGeneric11.png">St. John's College High School - Varsity</td><td>Springfield Central High School<br>Varsity Field (Berte Field)</td><td>Must see</td><td>N</td></tr><tr><td>Fri Sep 30 7:00 PM</td><td>vs</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logo13184.png">Longmeadow High School</td><td>Springfield Central High School<br>Varsity Field (Berte Field)</td><td></td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Fri Oct 7 7:00 PM</td><td>@</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logo25487.png">Westfield High School</td><td>Bullens Field<br>Bullens Field</td><td></td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Fri Oct 14 7:00 PM</td><td>vs</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logo4140.png">Chicopee Comprehensive High School</td><td>Springfield Central High School<br>Varsity Field (Berte Field)</td><td></td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Fri Oct 21 7:00 PM</td><td>@</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logo10372.png">Holyoke High School</td><td>Roberts Sports Complex<br>John F. Gilligan Field (Turf)</td><td></td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Fri Oct 28 7:00 PM</td><td>@</td><td><img src="https://cdn.arbitersports.com/Shared/SchoolLogos/logo14842.png">Minnechaug Regional High School</td><td>Minnechaug Reg High School<br>Falcon Field (Stadium - Turf)</td><td></td><td>L</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NOTABLE: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Springfield Central High School opened in 1898.&nbsp;The school added a&nbsp;junior high school&nbsp;in 1922 and in 1936 became Classical High School. Merging two existing schools from other campuses, Classical High and Technical High, the current campus of Springfield Central High School opened on September 3, 1986.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2008, the Springfield Public Schools created a mandatory district-wide uniform policy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In 2010, Springfield Central retired jersey number 3 previously worn by basketball player&nbsp;Travis Best, who was a&nbsp;<em>Parade</em>&nbsp;magazine All-American&nbsp;and later played professionally in the&nbsp;NBA&nbsp;and internationally from 1995 to 2009.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Championship History: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Central Football team won the Division III State Championship for two consecutive years, 2018 and 2019. The Central Football team won its first Division I State Championship in 2021.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->