Xavier Watson grabs first touchdown with UConn in overtime loss to Syracuse
· Yahoo Sports
EAST HARTFORD, C.T. (WETM) - One local grad delivered a special performance on the gridiron.
(Photo Courtesy: UConn Football)
Visit newssport.cv for more information.
Waverly grad Xavier Watson closed out the weekend with one of the most memorable games of his NCAA career, on Saturday. The sophomore tight end made 2 catches for 30 yards, while grabbing his 1st career touchdown reception for the UConn Huskies. Watson's scoring effort was the 1st of 2 touchdowns in the 4th quarter, as UConn rallied to force overtime against Syracuse.
Following the pair of scores, the Orange missed a game-winning field goal to close out the 4th, sending the slugfest to the extra frame tied at 34. The Huskies would get on the board 1st, with a touchdown pass from Kalieb Osborne to Trey Cornist. Syracuse mounted a response, as backup quarterback Amari Odom connected with Umari Hatcher for his 5th touchdown of the day. Odom would then follow up with a successful 2-point conversion run, winning the game 42-41.
Despite the loss, Watson's 1st career NCAA touchdown comes most appropriately against the Orange. The 6'4 standout helped the Wolverines to their 1st-ever state championship in 2023, catching 3 touchdown passes on Syracuse's home turf, the JMA Wireless Dome.
Xavier Watson hauled in 3 touchdown receptions, helping Waverly past Fonda-Fultonville 46-26, for the 2023 NYSPHSAA Class C Championship, at the JMA Wireless Dome.This season, Watson has collected 7 receptions for 106 yards, as the Huskies aim to rebound on Saturday, October 10th. UConn (2-3) will travel to Philadelphia to play Temple at 3:45 p.m. on ESPN U. On the same day, Syracuse (2-2) will travel to Virginia for a 7:30 p.m. road contest.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.