Can they finish the story? Can they finish the fairytail? That's the question many people are asking about the Jacob Hespeler Hawks senior football team. On Tuesday night, they captured the CWOSSA football title for the 3rd year in a row, beating the Resurrection Phoenix 29-8. Hawks running back Xavier Pineda bluntly said after Tuesday's win "we want to finish the story, finish this fairytale."  Next Wednesday, they get that chance. 

Here's some background and maybe a good omen. It took Jacob Hespeler 2 tries to win the WCSSAA title. Then on a cold night in November of 2013, James Roberts the quarterback at the time, tossed his helmet in the air to celebrate. The Hawks won their first ever WCSSAA title beating the Resurrection Phoenix. 

It also took Jacob Hespeler 2 tries to win the CWOSSA title after playing in the final in 2013 and 2015. Then in 2016 they got over the hump defeating the Guelph Collegiate Gaels to win the CWOSSA title for the first time. Hawks QB Jackson White tossed 2 TD's and ran in for another. Jacob Hespeler took home the regional football title, see the theme? 

Over the years of this Jacob Hespeler juggernaut the 3rd time has been the charm, EVERY TIME. So what does OFSAA have in store? Who knows, it's high school football. However if the pattern holds true, this could be the year because it's the 3rd time the Hawks have played in a provincial bowl game. 

Two years ago, they were simply overmatched by an incredible squad from AN Myer from Niagara Falls. Tre Ford was the quarterback for the Marauders and his twin brother Tyrell was also a superstar. The Ford brothers (who both now play for the Waterloo Warriors) were dominant in a convincing win over the Hawks. The game was over at halftime. For Jacob Hespeler, it was a learning experience being on the big stage at OFSAA and they knew going forward what it would take to win at the highest level of high school football. 

Last November, the Hawks opponent was the Lorne Park Spartans and once again things appeared bleak early on. Lorne Park jumped out to a big lead. Then the Hawks found their groove. A young grade 10 quarterback by the name of Joel Watson scored 2 touchdowns on the ground, one of them being a long run from midfield that sent the Hawks bench into a frenzy. It was crazy being near the Hawks bench. Watson was playing the first senior football game of his life. The energy and the enthusiasm in that moment Watson scored on a long run was incredible. The Spartans though were resilient and ended up winning the game in the final minute. 

That's high school football. The highest of highs and the heartbreak of last minute drama. That's what makes it fun. 

So what's in store for this year's edition of the Hawks? We won't know until Wednesday. But I can tell you this. They have an outstanding group of leaders with Logan Hall, Elijah Cruickshank, Xavier Pineda and Aidan Carter. They have a grade 11 quarterback with arguably the best arm in the region. They have a group of defenders that swarm the ball and make it extremely difficult on opposing offences and theeir defence is coached by former CFL'er Anthony Maggiocomo. 

What I've learned over the years is this. Expect the unexpected. Enjoy the ride and don't ever underestimate the will and belief level of 16-20 year olds playing a sport they love. You never know what can happen. 

Love em or hate em (check 519's Instagram comments) you should believe in them and support them! Why? Because Jacob Hespeler is representing OUR region on the biggest stage! We are 519 and they represent ALL of us next Wednesday. 

Go get em Hawks! Our 519 football community would love to see an OFSAA banner in your gym. And if your past experiences are any kind of indication, the 3rd time will be the charm.