Image courtesy of Uxbridge Football
NORTHBRIDGE – After 50 years of coaching, 411 wins and 10 Super Bowl wins, legendary Northbridge Coach Ken LaChappelle coached in his final game on Thursday and retired a winner as his Rams beat rival Uxbridge 48-13.
LaChappelle in customary fashion made it about the kids in his pregame speech telling them he didn’t want them to play hard for him but rather for themselves. Always put the kids first during his legendary career. It is why so many of his former players came back to honor him on Thursday.
Once upon a time, LaChappelle was one of those kids wearing the Northbridge uniform. After he graduated from the school, LaChapelle returned to take over his alma mater in 1976.
“I feel like I’m a Northbridge person. In the valley, everybody’s friends with everybody. I’ve taken to the ‘Maroon and White,’ and I’ve loved my opportunities and embraced them. And all of a sudden, here we are, 50 years,” said LaChapelle.”
It is a big reason why his family has also settled in the area. The 77 year old Lachapelle has five children, 23 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. The entire family was on hand on Thursday along with his 101 year old father Norman and his 97 year old mother Alfreda.
Family means everything to LaChappelle. It is why he wanted to coach his last game with both his grandsons, Joel who played quarterback for him and Camden, the star running back of Uxbridge playing in the game. Both are seniors and it was their final game.
Joel says he simply wanted his grandfather to go out a winner. Joel got emotional talking about what it meant to him to get it done for his grandfather.
“It meant everything to me. I am very proud of him. I’m glad we got it done.”
Despite being on the losing side of things, Camden says his grandfather is the root of all of the family’s football success.
“He is the root of it all. He has taught me football growing up. Unfortunately I didn’t get to play with him but this is a great way for him to end it and I couldn’t be happier for him.”
After a scoreless first quarter, scored 27 points in the second quarter. MoRodney Daigle had touchdown runs of 68- and 50-yards. Defensively, Luke Davis had two pick six touchdowns to pace the defense.
All eyes of course were on the LaChapelle boys who made their grandfather proud on this special day. Joel accounted for three touchdowns, including touchdown runs of 31 and 1 yards. He also threw a 14-yard pass to Kevin DiMuzio. Camden, scored both touchdowns for the Spartans.
In the end however, the theme of the day was family and that is ultimately what mattered to LaChapelle in his final game.
“It’s always been family. My daughters are my biggest fans — it’s incredible. We bleed football in this family. Those are the reasons I’m doing what I’m doing.”
LaChappelle added: “Win or lose, I’m a winner because of my grandkids and family.”