Springfield Central duo ready to get back on the football field for fall season
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (BVM) — Springfield Central has enjoyed its stay atop the state’s football rankings this past decade, bringing home back-to-back football state championships in 2018 and 2019. With hopes of a third straight title, the Golden Eagles wouldn’t be given the opportunity to try for a repeat performance this past season.
With the pandemic changing the usual setup, Springfield Central would have to settle with a two-game regular season schedule and a cancelation of postseason play.
Although disappointing, the Golden Eagles made the most of their shortened season, picking up wins in both events. Even with the abbreviated 2020 season, Central was able to find a promising takeaway as a rising duo formed on the offensive side of the ball.
Junior quarterback William Watson III and senior wide receiver Joseph Griffin Jr. had been integral to the recent success of the Golden Eagles’ program, and with another year behind them, the two look to become the focal point of a breakout Central offense.
The 6-foot-4 wideout accounted for almost half of Watson’s touchdown passes in the team’s shortened season with Griffin reaching the end zone in both contests. The star wide receiver has racked up over 1,000 yards so far in his career and will get the chance to add on that before heading off to play at Boston College next year.
For the Golden Eagles junior quarterback, the shortened year wouldn’t allow him to fully build off his freshman campaign. Watson took over the starting quarterback position during his first year in 2019, helping lead the program to its second straight state title. After passing for 2,562 yards and 32 touchdowns in his only full season, Watson will be looking forward to a full year of games. With the extra time off, he’s had the chance to really hone in on his craft.
When we began adding players to our board over a year ago, 23' QB William Watson – Central HS (MA) stood out. The traits were irrefutable. As we work towards stacking of QBs throughout the NE, @WW3thefuture will be a player we see live in the Fall. @MHSFCA4 @prospectnys pic.twitter.com/b7FFdL4YJp
— Prospect NYS (@prospectnys) June 23, 2021
“Personally, what I think makes me a good quarterback is decision making, understanding defenses,” Watson told 413 Sportstalk. “That’s all from my dad helping me with film. Breaking stuff down, breaking coverages down with me so I understand everything before the ball is even snapped.”
Along with his freshman year featuring his ability to make plays through the air, the dual-threat quarterback was able to showcase his ability on the ground, rushing for seven touchdowns throughout his opening season. The 6-foot, 170-pound junior currently holds offers from the likes of Arizona, Boston College, Kentucky, UMass and Michigan as he opens his 2021 campaign.
Following the extra preparation time, Springfield Central shouldn’t skip a beat as it heads into the upcoming season. With an opening matchup scheduled against Catholic Central, the Golden Eagles are looking to put last season in the rearview mirror as they prepare for another late postseason run.
