Tigers maul Hawks in opening game

Photo by John Cavers

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Led by a strong performance by quarterback Evan Coughlin, the Uxbridge Secondary School Tigers' junior squad dominated the O'Neill Collegiate Red Hawks 48-6 in their Homecoming game last Thursday.

An estimated 1,000 people turned out for the game, played under the lights at Tiger Field, complete with cheerleaders, music, hot dogs and souvenirs, and play-by-play commentary by Dan Pollard of 105.5 HitsFM.

Coughlan led the charge, completing eight of 13 pass attempts for 89 yards and three touchdowns. The running game added 77 rushing yards.

Owen Reid pulled in four receptions, two of them for touchdowns. Reggie Kerford was also a standout on both offence and defence. He contributed 29 rushing yards, a 28-yard receiving touchdown and then, flipping to defense, he had two quarterback sacks along with multiple tackles and a forced fumble. Evan Burch also forced two fumbles, recovering both and returning one all the way for a defensive touchdown.

On special teams, Hayden Streeter scored two return touchdowns, one on a punt and another on a kickoff.

O'Neill's only score came in the second half when they returned a kick-off for a 70-yard touchdown, but failed to earn the extra point.

The win was a spectacular start for the Tigers, who restarted the USS football program last year after a 13-year absence

The Tigers' next game is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25 against Holy Trinity High School in Courtice.