State champion Hawks relive glory days at Freedom Bowl

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Good thing Canon Racanelli dialed up Bailey Jones and asked him to play in the Freedom Bowl for Shriners Children’s Hospital. The two Hockinson High School graduates hooked up for two touchdowns in the game Saturday at McKenzie Stadium in Vancouver.

“I called Bailey on Tuesday and was like, ‘Dude, you gotta get out there. You’re not doing anything,’” Racanelli said. “He came out, and obviously we had a blast.”

Jones became the East All-Stars Offensive Player of the Game after making six catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Bailey and Racanelli connected on a 35-yard strike to the end zone to bring the East back within two points in the fourth quarter. The West All-Stars held on to their lead and celebrated a 22-20 victory with the Shriners patients who watched from the sidelines.

“Whatever side you were on, it didn’t matter. Everybody was out there chanting for those kids,” said West All-Star and Woodland High School graduate Jacob Flanagan. 

One day, Jones was sitting at home relaxing during the summer. The next day, he joined his new teammates at practice. Then, they all went to the hospital together and met the children they would be playing for Saturday.

“I’m really glad I came out here,” Jones said. “It’s for all the kids. It was a really fun game.”

Visiting the hospital and seeing the children who need help makes Racanelli appreciate what he can do on the football field. Flanagan couldn’t agree more.

“It just teaches you to live life to the fullest and go as hard as you can because they can’t,” he said.

Flanagan likes to help others so much, he’s joining the U.S. Coast Guard. He said playing football for Woodland has taught him about hard work and being a part of a brotherhood.



“The Woodland way is always grind,” Flanagan described. “Woodland has taught me to be tough, no matter what, to keep pushing forward and to keep your brothers up, as well.”

Jones believes he has played his last football game. He will never forget playing a key part in Hockinson winning its first high school state football championship.

“It went by quick,” Jones said. “It was a great way to end it, though, winning state with all my buds.”

Racanelli looks forward to playing football for Central Washington University.

“I’m not just representing myself, but also the whole community and my family,” he said. “I’m excited. There’s a lot to look forward to.”

Although Racanelli received an invitation to play in a state All-State game, he already committed to the Shriners Freedom Bowl. It’s a decision he doesn’t regret.

“I knew what this meant to Clark County. It was more important for me to represent Hockinson and the east side of Clark County instead of just some part of the state,” Racanelli said. “I encourage more people to play in the Shriners game. Don’t sit at home, because you’re not gaining anything sitting at home.”

Good thing Jones answered the call.

“I’m so glad I did not just sit at home,” he said. “I would have missed out on something really special.”