Tigers lose again, but show improvement

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It was another loss for the Uxbridge Secondary School Tigers junior football squad last week as they faced Paul Dwyer High School in Oshawa

in the first game of the LOSSA playoffs. However, unlike the 48-0 loss they were handed by Dwyer the last time they met, the Tigers managed to score three touchdowns in the game, leading to a final score of 39-21.

Dwyer completely dominated Uxbridge for the first two quarters, but the Tigers found their footing in the second half, outscoring Dwyer 14-3.

A couple of dozen Uxbridge supporters were on hand for the game, which saw Dwyer score touchdowns on their first two possessions, with a total of three in the first quarter. On the opening play of the second quarter, Dwyer returned a Tigers punt for another touchdown, adding a two-point conversion on a trick play. They followed with another on their next possession.

Regaining possession of the ball, the Tigers switched from a running game to a passing game, with quarterback Evan Coughlan launching a long completed pass on third down. Another long pass led to the Tigers first touchdown, bringing the score to 35-7 at the end of the first half.

The only scoring in the third quarter came when Dwyer kicked a field goal. The Tigers opened the fourth quarter with another touchdown and, after Dwyer turned over possession on downs, the Tigers passed for their third touchdown.

It was the most points the Tigers have scored in a game since the newly formed squad first took to the field a few weeks ago. USS has been without a football program for the last 13 years and none of the players - all Grade 9 and Grade 10 students - had played organized football before.The Tigers final game of the season takes place at 2 p.m., this Saturday when they meet Brooklin High School in the consolation final at the Oshawa Civic Centre.