May 15, 2026
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CFC Prospect Game: Westdale LB Tapajna ready to shine on hometown stage

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Class of 2027 LB Ryan Tapajna out of Westdale Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario didn’t waste much time making an impression once he found football.

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The Hamilton native only started playing football in the spring of Grade 9, but the rise since then has been fast. Within a short span, he became a Defensive MVP at Westdale, earned OSFL All-Star honours with the Hamilton Jr. Ticats, captained his high school senior team, and established himself as one of the tougher linebackers coming out of the city.

Tapajna describes himself as a natural competitor, and the multi-sport background helps explain some of the versatility in his game. Hockey, water polo, ultimate frisbee, track and field, and weightlifting all helped shape the athleticism he now brings to linebacker. Football may have become the main focus, but the edge clearly existed long before he ever stepped onto the field.

The numbers from his U16 OSFL season back that up too. 96 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, one sack, and three pass breakups across 10 games is production that jumps off the page for any linebacker, especially one still relatively new to the sport. Add in first-team OSFL All-Star recognition and it becomes obvious why he earned a spot at the CFC Prospect Game on TSN.

There is also something fitting about Tapajna getting the chance to compete on this stage in Hamilton.

The city has always carried a hard-nosed football identity, and he grew up admiring players who reflected that culture. One player who stood out most was CFL linebacker Olivier Muembi, another Hamilton product who came through the local public school football system before reaching the professional level.

Now he gets the opportunity to represent both Westdale and the Hamilton Jr. Ticats on one of the biggest stages in Canadian high school football.

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