Torrential rain can be the ultimate equalizer in a football game, unless you're playing No. 1-ranked Xaverian. Then, you're going to need a little bit more, the Somerville Highlanders discovered Friday night at Dilboy Stadium.

With most high school games cancelled due to the remnants of a tropical storm moving through the region, Xaverian (4-0) toppled Somerville (1-3) 26-0 behind a potent rushing attack and stout defense.

"Overall, we're happy with the performance," Xaverian coach Charlie Stevenson said. "It's always tough when you come off a win like last week to put it all together."

The Hawks defeated No. 2 Brockton 23-20 last week in double-overtime.

Xaverian took an early lead Friday, as senior Tom Jenkins took a screen pass from quarterback Chris Calvanese 20 yards for a touchdown on the Hawks' opening drive.

The Hawks' defense, which only allowed two first downs in the game, forced three-and-outs on each of Somerville's first three drives. However, the score remained 6-0 with the game nearing halftime, as Calvanese, a junior, fumbled two snaps in the wet conditions.

Xaverian running back Joe Colton, a senior captain, did score on a short touchdown run with one minute remaining in the half to give the Hawks a 14-0 lead at the break.

Fellow captain Chris Tamasi then ran for a 58-yard touchdown on the opening play of the second half to put Xaverian in control of the game, at 20-0.

Colton added the Hawks' final score, with a 30-yard touchdown run near the end of the third quarter. After that, the Hawks' second unit took the field.

Xaverian defensive backs Ryan Farrell, Nick McDaniels and Derek Reddy each intercepted Somerville quarterback Robert Pratt in the second half.

The Hawks' offensive linemen, Kevin Ihlefeld, Harry King, Kevin Painten, Ray Gobbi and Andrew Malin, and defensive linemen, Ihlefeld, King, Painten and Colby Enegren, controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the game.

Xaverian returns to action at Lynn English at 7 p.m. on Friday.