It wasn’t as pretty as previous games, but Jacob Hespeler will take it.
After all, they are the champions.
CFC#11 Jacob Hespeler Hawks faced their stiffest challenge yet, but beat the previously undefeated CFC#8 Resurrection Phoenix 23-16 in Thursday’s thrilling WCSSAA final.
Hawks head coach Greg White said there was a sense of relief, satisfaction and accomplishment when it was all said and done.
“It was a great feeling when the clock hit zero and we were on top,” he said.
But the Phoenix put forth a scrappy effort filled with heart. Every time it looked like the Hawks would start to run away with the game, the Phoenix battled back in an admirable effort.
In the first quarter, the Hawks would move the ball, but a stingy Phoenix defense kept them out of the end zone. Three field goals by Kieran Burnham made it 9-0.
Then, things got crazy.
The Phoenix got within a touchdown midway through the second quarter before receiver Marcus Joseph made a truly incredible catch between two defenders to tie the game up 9-9.
“Marcus had a great game for us, going up for that big TD over two guys and he was asked to play corner last night as well and did an incredible job,” said Phoenix Head Coach Kyle Armour. “He had a tremendous season, averaging two touchdowns a game for us”
But the stalemate did not last long.
Moments later Carlton Smith scampered 70 yards to give the Hawks a 16-9 lead.
“Carlton is probably the most talented player in the league. He has meant everything to our team. He never leaves the field,” said White.
Then, the Phoenix proved resilient once again, scoring a major before the end of the quarter to have it tied 16-16.
The score stayed the same for the majority of the second half.
But with 1:41 to play, heartbreak came for the Phoenix and pure jubilation for the Hawks.
CFC TOP 100 Hawks quarterback James Roberts called his own number and slid into the endzone to put the Hawks up with a decisive touchdown.
White said it was a total team effort, and called out his defense for stepping up when it mattered.
“At half we made a few adjustments on defense,” said White. “We reminded them why we came back to school this year: to win a WCSSAA championship.”
This was the first championship in the Hawks school history.
As for the Phoenix, Armour says he’s pleased of team’s effort despite the loss.
“I could not be more proud of our guys, we faced adversity with some turnovers early on, but our guys responded well and played their hearts out,” said Armour. “It is unfortunate that we came up short, but I know it was not from a lack of effort.”
While the Phoenix’ season ends, the Hawks will fly another day.
After winning the WCSSAA championship, they now move on to the district semi-finals to play the John F. Ross Royals.
Photo credit: Mark Bryson, Waterloo Region Record
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