'Perfect fit': Transfer Hazahn Collington leads North Henderson, and not just in rushing
BLACK MOUNTAIN -- North Henderson beat Owen on the Warhorses' turf, and the Knights have Hazahn Collington to thank for a large part of their win.
Collington used his tremendous power and vision to score three touchdowns within the first 10 minutes of the game, one of which was for 58 yards. He finished the game with 262 yards rushing and four touchdowns. In the first three games of a breakout senior season, he has 583 yards rushing and nine touchdowns.
The Knights (2-1) host West Henderson (0-3) on Friday.
Collington recently transferred from Hendersonville High, where during his sophomore year, he rushed 714 yards with seven touchdowns. He said the switch in schools was exactly what he needed to get back on his feet and find himself.
“Hendersonville was, you know, a bigger school with more busy city vibes," Collington said. "But at North, it’s more chill and I’m good on my work now. I used to struggle with school and everything, but when I got to North, it all changed.”
He said the change in environment allowed him to focus more, whereas before, underlying factors such as family matters got in the way. The change also made him feel more at home, as he attends school with kids he grew up with.
“I went to Apple Valley (Middle School) so like the environment isn’t too new," Collington said. "I was a little iffy when I got here, but it’s great now. I know a lot of these kids and once I got here it was a perfect fit."
Collington said his work ethic has remarkably improved, impacting more than his grades. He said he aims to work hard during every practice and every game in hopes of playing in college and one day giving back to his family.
“I’m just trying to do what’s right and get us out of here," he said. "I do the best that I can during every game, every play, and every down."
With three colleges, at the moment, looking at him, he’s hopeful he’ll play somewhere he can make a name for himself.
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While improving his own work ethic, Collington strives to improve that of his team as well. Becoming a senior allowed him to take on the role of a leader with heart and passion as he seeks to guide the younger guys on the team in learning how to balance hard work and fun.
“I get to be a better leader in the sense if one of them does something bad, I tell them to pick their head up,” Collington said. “Also, I gotta get us better at our work ethic because we’re great on the field and making plays but sometimes they aren’t as serious as they could be. I used to be that way when I was their age, so I want to teach them better habits early.”
His leadership hasn't gone unnoticed, North Henderson coach Jim Beatty said.
“His impact since his addition has been tremendous," Beatty said. "He’s got a lot of athletic ability and a great vision. He sees a hole and knows how to get through the hole. “He’s really a joy to be around.”
Beatty said even after North’s loss to Hendersonville, Collington was positive and upbeat. It was really important to Collington to beat the Bearcats but he remained humble and happy to all of his teammates and made sure they knew they played a good game.
“Everybody doubts North," Collington said. "So when I got here, they were all like, ‘Oh Hazahn’s here now we’re gonna win this and that,' and I had to tell them, 'Y’all, one person cannot do everything.' "
He said he told his teammates, “We are a team and if we work well together we can win almost every game, if not every game." Since then, he said, the team's attitude and chemistry has never been better.
“He’s just a great kid and has been a good addition for us overall, especially offensively,” Beatty said.