2022 Season Preview: Springfield Central H.S. “Golden Eagles
In this article:
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…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAs 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 interim coach in December following the departure of former coach Valdamar Brower.
Team Overview: 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.
2021 Season Results: Springfield Central (10-2) — The Golden eagles lost on the opening weekend to 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.
Toughest Losses to Graduation: Joe Griffin (WR) = Boston College, Travis Gause (OL) = Springfield College, Aaron Jones (DT) = Temple, 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
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
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: http://www.hudl.com/v/2GZb6Q
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 6’4″ 245lbs with agility and quickness he is projected to be a force on edge. HUDL: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13371105/61af774a2aa7b206082896ec
Highlights
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: http://www.hudl.com/v/2GYcAK
Highlights
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: http://www.hudl.com/v/2GaU1m
Highlights
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: http://www.hudl.com/v/2GYWVk
Highlights
“Thomas” 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: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/13371086/61ad842964df76065c0e73ac
Highlights
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: http://www.hudl.com/v/2GZK3m
Highlights
More Names to Know: 2023 Mesias Lee Mesias Lee 5'11" | 230 lbs | LB Springfield Central | 2023 State NewE (LB), 2023 Justin Brown Justin Brown 5'11" | 215 lbs | LB Springfield Central HS | 2023 NewE (LB), 2023 Kymari Latney Kymari Latney 5'10" | DB St Thomas Moore Ct. | 2024 State NewE (DB), 2023
2022 Schedule/Games to see: Must games to see are noted below
Date/Time | Opponent | Location | Must see | League | |
Sat Aug 27 10:00 AM | vs | Bishop Feehan High School | Springfield Central High School Varsity Field (Berte Field) | S | |
Fri Sep 2 6:00 PM | @ | Milford High School | Milford HS Turf | Must see | S |
Fri Sep 9 7:00 PM | @ | Central Catholic High School | Veterans Memorial Stadium Football Field | Must see | L |
Fri Sep 16 7:00 PM | vs | Boston College High School | Springfield Central High School Varsity Field (Berte Field) | N | |
Sat Sep 24 1:00 PM | vs | St. John’s College High School – Varsity | Springfield Central High School Varsity Field (Berte Field) | Must see | N |
Fri Sep 30 7:00 PM | vs | Longmeadow High School | Springfield Central High School Varsity Field (Berte Field) | L | |
Fri Oct 7 7:00 PM | @ | Westfield High School | Bullens Field Bullens Field | L | |
Fri Oct 14 7:00 PM | vs | Chicopee Comprehensive High School | Springfield Central High School Varsity Field (Berte Field) | L | |
Fri Oct 21 7:00 PM | @ | Holyoke High School | Roberts Sports Complex John F. Gilligan Field (Turf) | L | |
Fri Oct 28 7:00 PM | @ | Minnechaug Regional High School | Minnechaug Reg High School Falcon Field (Stadium – Turf) | L |
NOTABLE:
Springfield Central High School opened in 1898. The school added a junior high school 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.
In 2008, the Springfield Public Schools created a mandatory district-wide uniform policy.
In 2010, Springfield Central retired jersey number 3 previously worn by basketball player Travis Best, who was a Parade magazine All-American and later played professionally in the NBA and internationally from 1995 to 2009.
Championship History:
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.