The past week has been nothing short of a whirlwind for Eric Hazzard, the senior defensive end from Page High School. It’s been an emotional roller coaster packed with both triumphs and heartbreaks—one that Hazzard won’t forget anytime soon. From signing a college commitment to playing in a high-stakes championship game and wrapping it all up with a prestigious individual honor, his week had it all.
Kicking Things Off with a High Note
On December 4, Hazzard made a monumental decision in his football career by signing with the University of Louisville. It was a dream come true and a testament to years of hard work and dedication on the field. But the excitement didn’t stop there. Just two days later, he suited up for the Patriots in their fourth consecutive Class 5A BlueCross Bowl.
Unfortunately, the game didn’t end as hoped. The Patriots faced off against an unbeaten Sevier County team and came up just short, falling 27-20. For Hazzard, it was a bitter pill to swallow—a fourth straight runner-up finish in the state championship. “It hurt a lot,” he admitted, reflecting on the loss. “Being on that high from signing with Louisville and then going into the state championship all excited, only to come up short, was tough.”
A Week of Reflection and Recognition
The emotional journey didn’t end with the championship game. The following Monday brought a bittersweet moment as Hazzard and his teammates turned in their jerseys, officially closing the chapter on their high school football careers. “Seeing all the stuff from the underclassmen and realizing the impact we’ve had on their lives was emotional,” he shared. “It’s something they can carry forward into next year.”
But just when the week seemed to settle, Hazzard reached another peak on Tuesday. At a ceremony held at Nissan Stadium, he was named the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award winner for Class 5A—a crowning achievement for his stellar season. “Winning this award is a huge honor,” Hazzard said. “It shows the dedication I’ve had, not just to football, but to everything else in my life.”
A Season to Remember
Hazzard’s on-field stats speak for themselves. The 6-foot-3, 256-pound powerhouse tallied 65 tackles during the regular season, including an impressive 22 tackles for loss. He added six sacks, three pass break-ups, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and even a defensive touchdown to his résumé. His contributions were pivotal to the team’s success and earned him widespread respect across the state.
Yet, Hazzard wasn’t the only standout on his team. Teammate Brenden Anes, a versatile linebacker and running back, was also in the running for the Mr. Football Award. The Tennessee signee had an equally impressive season with 71 tackles (13 for loss), two sacks, two interceptions, and a slew of other big plays on both sides of the ball. He even scored four touchdowns on offense.
For Hazzard, competing against a close friend and teammate for the award added a layer of complexity to an already emotional week. “Knowing that me and Brenden were both finalists and only one of us could win was hard,” he admitted. “But being able to close out my career with this award means a lot.”
Tough Competition and Mutual Respect
The third finalist, Southwind quarterback Kelvin Perkins, was no stranger to the spotlight. A junior standout, the 6-foot, 190-pound athlete had a remarkable season, throwing for 1,589 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for another 545 yards and 10 scores. Despite these impressive stats, Hazzard felt confident the award would stay with Page. “I thought it would be me or Brenden,” he said. “Perkins had a great year, but it wasn’t as strong as his last season.”
Interestingly, Hazzard and Anes didn’t spend much time discussing the award before the ceremony. Their focus was firmly on team goals and the championship game. “That’s just the way we are,” Hazzard explained. “Football comes first, and everything else follows.”
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As the dust settles on a remarkable high school career, Hazzard is already looking forward to the next chapter. Signing with Louisville is a huge step, but the lessons and experiences from his time at Page High School will stay with him forever. From the highs of victory to the sting of defeat, the past week encapsulated everything Hazzard loves about the game of football: the camaraderie, the competition, and the drive to be better every single day.
For Hazzard, the Mr. Football Award isn’t just a personal accolade—it’s a reflection of the countless hours of hard work, the support of his teammates and coaches, and the unyielding passion that defines his approach to life. It’s a legacy he hopes to carry forward as he takes the next big step in his football journey.
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