Hazen Holds Off Renton For Homecoming Win 21-7

The Hazen Homecoming celebration came to a screeching halt in the third quarter of the Hazen/Renton football game at Renton Stadium Friday night. Renton’s Anthony Gold was laying on the field unconscious, according to head coach Donald Ponds.

While players took a knee, medical staff attended to Gold’s injury.

“His helmet made direct contact with someone’s knee pads, when I got to him he was unconscious for a little bit,” said Ponds. “When he woke up he knew where he was and whom he was playing. He is a strong willed and minded player; if he could play he would get up and play. Renton Fire and Emergency Services also responded to the stadium and placed Gold on a backboard for precautionary reasons. Tri-Med Ambulance took Gold to a local hospital, his updated condition is unknown.  

Gold started the game with an 84-yard kickoff return, but Hazen’s defense held the Indians for the rest of the night giving the Highlanders a 21-7 homecoming victory. The win causes a three way tie for the Walter J. Tracey Jr. Memorial Trophy (All-City Championship). Learn more about the Tracey Trophy and its lost history by clicking here.

The Highlanders got on the board in the second quarter with Eric Jacobs four-yard touchdown run. After Gold was taken off the field in the third, Tray Brown scored from four yards out to give Hazen a 14-7 led. The Cody Taylor put the game away in the fourth quarter with a 28-yard touchdown run.

After the game, Hazen fans stayed to thank the seniors who had helped Hazen football over their four years. Coach Drew Oliver was all smiles with a yellow carnation in hand to thank the families as well.

“Our kids are peaking at the right moment, they made me proud this homecoming week,” said Oliver. This was a good hard-fought game, our defense shut them out, we had a good game plan, and there were no surprises by Renton.”

While Coach Pond thought of Gold's condition after Friday's win, but knows his team must rebound next week in the playoffs after suffering two straight losses. Another concern is how sophomore quarterback Da'Ssaun Sauls continues to respond.

“Da’Ssaun needs to feel confident in what he’s doing; he’s not trying to throw an interception or make a mistake,” Ponds said.

See the playoff story for further information on next week’s games.

Homecoming Court announced:

King Alexander Gayte and Queen Jennifer Diep

Prince Dylan Gale and Princess Emma Rehrl

Prince Tony Le and Princess Priscilla Yu

Prince Eric Jacobs and Princess Harriet Aquino

Prince Fernando Puga and Princess Kathleen Lucier

Court Nolan Hoover and Countess Elise Wong

Duke Luis Puga and Duchess Brianne Sherin

Lord Freddy Jeronimo and Lady Taylor Gale