Returning Trojans
Pickering school looks to avenge Metro Bowl loss Face Newmarket’s Huron Heights tomorrow night
Growing up on Margarita Island off the coast of Venezuela, Hassan Hazime never thought he would one day be playing in a high school football championship.
Hazime, who didn’t learn the game until six years ago, is also quite aware that he’s fortunate to be in the Metro Bowl for the second time in as many years.
This time, the 6- foot- 5, 230pound teenager hopes to be sipping bubbly soft drinks from the William G. Davis Trophy, named after the former Premier of Ontario. Last year, the Pickering Trojans lost their only game in the final, 22- 15, to St. Michael’s College. With a year to dwell on defeat, Hazime, exhibiting more of a mean streak and the confidence of an extra season, is justifiably proud of his teammates, a group of superb football players — many of whom are also part of the school’s powerhouse track and field factory.
Like a large number of his teammates, Hazime graduated last June. They returned to not only improve their grades but also for another chance to lay claim to the hardware that goes with having the No. 1 football team in the area.
“ That loss was miserable,” said Hazime, who’ll turn 18 two days before Christmas. “We now have a chance redeem ourselves and move on. For me, it’s certainly going to be the game of my life.” The same can be said for the Huron Heights Warriors from Newmarket — considered by some to be the underdog when the two schools, each with 11- 0 records, clash in the 24th Metro Bowl at the Rogers Centre. Kickoff is set for 7: 30 p. m.
Hazime, who came to Canada with his family three years ago after a stopover in the U. S., was a Toronto Star
all- star tight end this season and has attracted the interest of a number of U. S. schools. He also knows many of Canada’s top university football teams would easily create a spot for him in the fall. Catching passes, eight for touchdowns, hasn’t been his only job with the Trojans.
In fact, he prefers knocking bodies around as a defensive end — and did it well enough to have earned the MVP award last summer playing for the Toronto Thunder in the Ontario Varsity Football League.
“ I’m more valuable on defence and I know teams try to stay clear,” said Hazime, whose only other time to a championship podium was back in Grade 7 after helping to win a football title while living in Dearborn, Mich.
Pickering head coach John Martini, who played in the CFL from 1977-81, said this team might be one of the best he’s coached in 21 years.
“ Speed, size and talent,” said Martini. “ Our offence is hard to stop, the defence is formidable and they have the memories of disappointment from last year. As for Hazime, he’s one of the best and never gets tired.” Tim Brooks, a Durham Region champion sprinter, and Ryan Gordon, provincial hurdles silver medalist, add more dash to the speedy Trojans.
“ I gave up what turned out to be the winning touchdown last year,” said Brooks, who has rushed for 10 touchdowns. “ Just like ( Huron Heights), we have our offensive stars, and it could turn into a track meet, but defence is what wins games and there’s none like ours.”