Excitement was in the air Friday as Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School hosted Homecoming Day as students crowded around the school's football field to cheer on its two teams in an afternoon of intense action.
“Today is a great day for a home opener," said Tara Treash, Patrick Fogarty chaplain and football staff member, who said students were given the opportunity to "buy out" of their final class to cheer on the football teams.
As students, staff, and parents entered the grounds, they were treated to live music provided by the school’s band and a concession stand where people could buy snacks.
Patrick Fogarty’s junior team stormed the field first, looking for their first win of the season in ther clash against rival, St. Theresa Thunder.
In the first quarter, Patrick Fogarty struggled to move the ball, but after the early jitters wore off, they found their stride, scoring a pair of touchdowns to take a 14-6 lead by the time the whistle blew to end the first half.
In the second half, the Thunder fought back hard to tie the game at 20-20 and while Fogarty battled hard, they could not manage to secure the victory in regulation time; this game was going to overtime.
Each team gets at least one possession in overtime. The Thunder scored, but were not successful in making the 'point after touchdown.' Fogarty was also able to score a touchdown on their possession, their kicker make a successful extra point and Fogarty eked out a 27-26 triumph.
After the game, Patrick Fogarty's Chase Henry said the win will help his squad build confidence.
“This win makes me feel confident for us going into the next game and the rest of the season ahead,” said Henry.
Following the junior game, Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac performed a ceremonial coin toss to kick off the senior game between Fogarty and the St. Theresa Thunder.
The first half of the senior game was fast paced, but neither team could get the ball into the end zone as halftime came and it was all zeroes across the board.
After a reset of team strategies at halftime, the second half begun.
Both teams fought hard, but in the end, Patrick Fogarty came out on top with a 13-7 win over the Thunder.
After both teams shook hands with one another, everyone cheered as the teams walked off the field.
