Hawks lose tightly fought game

Tyler Lowey
Times Reporter

 

Everything was falling into place for the Holy Cross Collegiate Hawks to orchestrate a game-winning drive in the opening game of their inaugural football season, but the Caroline School Cougars had other plans.
The Hawks recovered a fumble just inside Cougars’ territory with just over a minute remaining, but failed to punch in the winning score, as they were grounded 22-12 in Alberta 6 Man Football League action on Sept. 7 at Holy Cross Field.
“It was a tightly fought game and it came right down to the end,” said Hawks head coach Michael Annicchiarico. “We left a lot of points on the board.”
The Hawks might not have walked away with the result they were searching for, but the excitement and support they received was encouraging. The players ran onto the field in front of more than 200 students, parents and friends along the sideline, while the school’s percussion band jammed in the background.
“It just speaks to the community we are in and we are very lucky. There were elementary and high school kids out watching; there is a great environment in this town,” said Annicchiarico, who also teaches Grade 10-12 social studies at Holy Cross Collegiate (HCC).
The majority of players were playing in their first game of football, but Jayden Hendricks played like a salted vet.
“I love the hitting and cutting around guys,” said Hendricks. “The touchdowns and making plays are fun too.”
Hendricks was literally all over the field for the Hawks, featured as running back on offence and rotating between linebacker and defensive back while on defence.
When the Hawks lost the coin toss before the game and kicked off, Hendricks was in the middle making tackles, forcing a three-and-out on defence. Then, on the Hawks’ second offensive series, on the first play of the drive, Hendricks took a handoff to the left and busted off a 40-yard dash, scoring the first touchdown in Hawks history.
“That was definitely the highlight for me,” said the 6-foot-1 Hendricks.
The Grade 11 standout led the Hawks in carries, tackles and two fumble recoveries.
The Cougars opened and closed the second quarter with a pair of rushing touchdowns, jumping ahead 13-6 at the break.
“A lot of our guys have never played before. There were a lot of penalties and turnovers,” said Annicchiarico. “We need to be more disciplined moving forward.”
The field was covered in cloth throughout the second and third quarter. Penalties by both sides halted drives and neglected scores.
Hendricks peeled off another 35-yard touchdown carry, only to be called back because of a holding call. The Hawks also had a pick-six reversed for pass interference.
Also making his debut on the gridiron was senior quarterback Hayze Stevens.
“I thought it went well, we got a lot to learn from, but I think we can be in good competition in our next couple of games,” he said.
Stevens, a Seattle Seahawks fan, was roughed up in the first quarter and came off the field holding his ribs. He wasn’t gone long, as he returned to action midway through the second quarter and showed no ill effects following the game. He, like Hendricks, is just happy to be out on the field representing his school.
“This is my first year playing football, I just wanted to be part of it, try a new sport and be part of a great thing here at HCC,” said Stevens.
The Hawks play in the south division with nine other teams. The Hawks host Heritage Christian Academy on Sept. 16 at Holy Cross field.