Therrien leads UCC Blues to CISAA championship
Upper Canada 29 St. Andrew’s 19 RB scores 3 TDs, runs for 192 yards to sink the Saints First league title in 12 seasons for T. O. school
Bothered by a recurring injury to his left leg this season, Jimmy Therrien appealed to his head football coach at Upper Canada College for some compassion. Blues skipper Dave Shaw, knowing the value of having a healthy Therrien in the lineup, allowed his ace to miss practices for three weeks.
Yesterday, a healthy Therrien showed his appreciation with a stellar performance in the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association senior championship.
Therrien rushed for 192 yards on 27 carries and scored three touchdowns as the Blues rolled to a 29- 19 home field win over the St. Andrew’s College Saints. When he wasn’t piling up the points, Therrien stayed on the field and did a solid job in the defensive secondary, leading the Blues to their first league title since 1993.
“ This is big, real big for us and I’m just so happy to be part of it,” said a jubilant Therrien, who entered the game with 14 touchdowns and 1,210 yards rushing in seven games.
“ It’s my last year before graduation and you hope for these things to happen as good memories.”
Therrien showed no sign of his injury. Shaw, elated with his first title in 15 years, said resting his star earlier in the season was the right choice. “Not many high school athletes can stay out of practices, then jump in to a game each week and dominate,” said Shaw. “ He’s a classy guy and an amazing athlete.” With the win, Upper Canada advances to the Metro Bowl Final Four playoffs on Dec. 2 at Esther Shiner Stadium and will await the winner of the Durham Region playoffs. The other game has the champions from Toronto and York Region. UCC, entering the final with a 6- 1 record, jumped on the Saints quickly when Derrick Kalinauskas returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. Matt Nichol gave the Saints more aggravation after recovering the ensuing on- side kick.
Seven plays later, Therrien had his first TD on a 1- yard run and the Blues never looked back.
“ It’s all about momentum and you can’t make so many mistakes, turn the ball over so much in a game like we did and expect to win,” said Saints head coach Courtney Shrimpton.
St. Andrew’s, which upset St. Michael’s in a semifinal nailbiter, caused some excitement when Saints running back Anton Bennett scored his first of three TDs after combining with quarterback Scott Johnstone on a23- yard pass- and- run. But two interceptions and a key fumble by Bennett tipped the game in favour of UCC.