UMass reshaping roster in the portal in hopes of a turnaround
AMHERST- As the 2026 offseason chugs along, UMass Football is navigating a period of significant transformation under head coach Joe Harasymiak.
William Watson
William “Pop” Watson returns home with commitment to UMass
William “Pop” Watson III is heading back to where his football journey began. After three seasons in Blacksburg with Virginia Tech, the dual-threat quarterback officially committed to the University of Massachusetts on Sunday night. The move marks a significant homecoming for the Springfield native, who starred at Springfield Central High School under his father, longtime coach Bill Watson, before heading south to the ACC.
Pop Watson suspended indefinitely by Virginia Tech
MATT GENTRY, The Roanoke Times Former Springfield Central quarterback William “Pop” Watson has been suspended indefinitely by Virginia Tech for violating team rules. Watson issued an apology earlier today on X. He promised to make better decisions moving forward but also acknowledged that he is not perfect and cannot guarantee that he would would not make another mistake going forward. When asked why Watson was suspended, Virginia Tech Coach Brent…
High School: St. John’s (DC) pulls away from Springfield Central
SPRINGFIELD — After Springfield Central’s 41-24 loss to Washington, DC-area powerhouse St. John’s College, the comments from the hosts were not unlike any other big game. The Golden Eagles lamented the inability to play the second half the way they did the first. There was talk of fatigue hitting the team hard. In some ways, it was a loss like any other. But in reality, Springfield Central accomplished more in…
High School: NEFJ & Gold Athletics Game of the Week – Springfield Central 38, Central Catholic 0
LAWRENCE – In both the 2019 and 2021 season openers, Central Catholic and Springfield Central put up incredible offensive displays. In both of those games, the teams combined for 94 and 119 points respectively. When the teams met again in the Division 1 Super Bowl last year, it was a bit more defensive, with the Golden Eagles winning by seven in a game that had just 37 points combined. On Friday…
Recruiting: A sense of comfort, trust and the opportunity to turn around a program are the reasons William Watson picked Nebraska
Springfield Central junior quarterback William Watson III announced on Tuesday night that he was committing to the University of Nebraska to play college football. Watson, one of the top players in the state in the Class of 2023 held 11 offers including offers from Boston College, UConn and UMass. So why did he pick Nebraska? Simple. It was the right fit. Nebraska offered everything William and his family were looking…
Recruiting: Springfield Central quarterback William Watson commits to Nebraska
In the end, William Watson went with a familiar face for his college commitment. It just may not have been the one most were expecting. The junior quarterback from Springfield Central made a verbal commitment to Nebraska during the Golden Eagles’ basketball game against Northampton Tuesday night. With the pledge, Watson will play for former UMass coach Mark Whipple, who is the offensive coordinator at Nebraska. At one point, it…
Five storylines heading into MIAA season: Springfield Central moves up to Division 1
We are about to get started with the 2021 MIAA football season, as Friday marks the first day of practice in the Commonwealth. There are tons of storylines to get into, but we were able to whittle them down to five as we get going. For each day, starting Monday and on to Friday, we will tackle a different subject that faces the coaches, players, and fans of Massachusetts high…