By Darren Lum

The Red Hawks ended the 2019 Kawartha High School Football League season on a high note dominating the visiting Saints of St. Peter Catholic Secondary School to the tune of 28-7.

It was their first win of the six-game season.

A dedicated group of supporters bundled up against the cold wind coming off Head Lake were there to see the players smiling from the sidelines.

The offensive scoring in this game was led by Grade 11 player Camden Marra who scored two touchdowns. Scoring also came from Carson Sisson and Desi Davies who scored touchdowns. The team scored a pair of two-point converts which Sisson and Davies finished.

Marra a first-year senior on the varsity team playing tailback said he didn’t mind stepping into play quarterback in this game when injuries to both quarterbacks left the team no other choice.

He credits his teammates for his success.

“It was definitely nerve wracking but I had a great group of guys with me that were helping me out. The previous two quarterbacks were helping me as well” he said referring to understanding and executing plays.

The win against the Saints was more than satisfying as the team not only doubled its scoring in one game but kept the visitors to just one touchdown which was a statistical bright spot for the Hawks on the season.

The Hawks were ranked fifth in defence among the field of eight teams when it came to points allowed.

Challenges this season included low turnout for tryouts and injuries leading to players playing iron man football: individuals playing defence and offence.

Red Hawks players Desi Davies and Carson Sisson celebrate a touchdown scored late in the fourth quarter against the St. Peter Catholic Secondary School Saints.

The team started with close to a couple dozen players and by the Saints win the team was left with closer to a little more than a dozen players. It left players playing on both sides of the ball and playing multiple positions and learning new positions on the fly.

Marra was one example as he not only took snaps as quarterback like this game but also playing in the secondary where he was a defensive back covering receivers on passing routes and also on special teams where he also returned punts.

He is expecting to return to play next autumn in Grade 12.

Despite the difficulties of the season Marra appreciated the opportunity to play

“It was definitely tough with injuries but we were able to keep the team alive. It’s still fun. Even if you’re losing it’s still a fun game” he said.

The team finished the season 1-6-0.