​Tackle football returns to Kincardine high school

High school tackle football has returned to Kincardine District Senior School (KDSS), with the Knights set to play their first pre-season game, tomorrow (Sept. 12) in Bolton.

Their season home-opener against Owen Sound is slated for Friday, Sept. 19, at 3 p.m., at the rugby field beside the Tiverton Sports Centre.

The football team has about 40 players in Grades 9-12, and 11 coaches. They practise on the field across from KDSS, Monday to Thursday, 3:30-5 p.m.

Head coach Brandon Kushnir is thrilled to see such a great turn-out for the sport at KDSS. He is joined by coaches Dave Waite, Otis Dolan, Dan Ogilvie, Aaron Klassen, Dave Hackney, Elliot Montag, Shawn McDonald, Noel Greco, Watson Morris, and Mark B.

Kushnir says the goal was to bring tackle football back to Kincardine, but the Kincardine Football Association began last year with flag football which drew a great response to a couple of Under Armour skills clinics.

The first Kincardine flag football season was held in the spring, with about 120 players in four divisions: Under 8 (U8) and U10 together; U12; U14; and U16 and U18 together.

As to tackle football, an informal practice was held in June to determine the players’ commitment, says Kushnir, and now the team is getting ready for its first season. He notes that while there are Grades 9-12 students on the team, the Grade 9s can’t play the season games. They are allowed on the field for exhibition play after the game.

KDSS principal Don Burns says he started at the school in 2013 and there was interest then to bring tackle football back to the school. Thanks to the support of the coaches, the football association and the community, the Knights football team has become a reality.

He says the team is seeking equipment storage to house all the football gear. If you can help out, contact Burns at the school.

For more information about tackle and flag football, check the Kincardine Football Association website at www.kincardinefootballassociation.ca.