Football returns to Uxbridge Secondary School
Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Despite a lop-sided 48-0 loss to Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, Jeff Keeping, head coach of the Uxbridge Secondary School Tigers, was happy after the game ended last Thursday.
The USS Tigers cheerleaders. Photo by John Cavers
"It was exciting: I had goosebumps," Keeping said following the first home football game at USS in 13 years. Sparked by Michael Kerford's "Restore the Roar" campaign earlier this year, the school formed its first team in the summer. The juniors, all Grade 9 and 10, were facing a team that had players who are playing in their second year.
Played under perfect weather conditions, the game attracted about 200 spectators. The Tigers first possession saw the team gain about 25 yards on a catch and run, but from there on it was all Dwyer as they dominated the home squad. The first half saw the visitors score three touchdowns and a two-point safety, with another four touchdowns in the second half..
But Keeping did not let his team feel dejected. After the game, he told his players to hold their heads high and look their opponents in the eye as they shook hands. He said every game, win or lose, is a learning experience.
"We have to do the little things well, he said, adding that game discipline is a large part of the training. That discipline was evident as the Tigers took to the field with near military precision for the pre-game warm-up.
During the half-time, the USS cheerleaders and team mascot entertained the spectators in what was basically a warm-up for the Homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 18. The USS spirit band, the Roar Squad, and the cheerleading squad will be performing when Tiger Field opens at 5 p.m., with music, a photobooth, air-brushed tattoos, refreshments and merchandise all available on site.
The game, during which the Tigers host Brooklin High School (which has a similar 1-2 win-loss record), will start under the lights at 6 p.m., with players and USS alumni from the past 50 years in attendance, including past coaches Phil Mazza and Brian Manorek, as well as the family of longtime coach Ray Newton. The forecast is calling for temperatures in the mid- teens, with light winds and no precipitation.