NORTHBRIDGE — A farewell fit for a legend.
In the last game of Ken LaChapelle’s 50-year tenure as head coach of the Northbridge football team, the Rams (10-2) delivered one more gem for the state’s all-time winningest coach by rolling out a 48-13 win over Uxbridge in their annual Thanksgiving Day matchup Thursday morning.
Friends, family and alumni surrounded the field donning merchandise that celebrated an iconic career, in which LaChapelle won a state-record 411 games. And on the field, grandsons Joel LaChapelle (Northbridge senior quarterback) and Camden LaChapelle (Uxbridge senior running back) combined for five touchdowns.
Northbridge junior Mo Rodney Daigle erupted for 211 total yards and two long touchdown runs (50 and 68 yards). Luke Davis returned two interceptions for touchdowns, and Michael Murphy had four sacks for the Rams in a day loaded with memorable performances.
Ken LaChapelle soaked it all in.
“I’ll be honest, it hasn’t hit me yet,” he said. “I think it’s going to hit me a little more as we get a little bit away from this. But it’s been a great ride here. I’ve had great kids, great coaches and nice support from the town. And then to win the final game is kind of nice. You never can win enough. Ask any coach that, and they’ll tell you the same thing.”
Both communities showered the longtime coach with appreciation. Uxbridge gifted him a trophy and a wooden chair that students built in wood shop — an ode to his love of woodworking. And at the half, Northbridge alumni from every decade dating back to the 1950s walked onto the field, each one giving Ken LaChapelle a handshake followed by a hug.
“I was pleased with all that,” he said. “Those are all guys who were part of all these wins and part of all this success. They’re the ones. Sometimes you forget about it, but every once in a while, you see someone from the past, and they remind you how important football was to them.”
Many of Northbridge’s points came in the second quarter, including three touchdowns within a three-minute span before the break. Daigle’s 50-yard touchdown kicked off the scoring, followed by a 1-yard keeper from Joel LaChapelle, an 18-yard pick-six from Davis, and a 14-yard touchdown pass to Kevin DiMuzio for a 27-0 halftime lead.
Joel LaChapelle added a 31-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, capping off his career with 117 passing yards, 92 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. Camden LaChapelle delivered a standout performance for Uxbridge as well, finishing with 170 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries.
Both were emotional after the game, with Joel fighting off tears after earning a win.
“It meant everything to me,” Joel said. “Especially for his last season. … I’ve been with him all my life. I’m very proud of him. I’m proud of everyone around him. I’m glad we got the (win).”
“He’s the root of it all,” Camden added. “He’s taught me football growing up. … I’m very emotional right now. This is a great way for him to end it. I’m very happy for him.”
Joel was one of six grandchildren to play for Ken, while Camden and older brother Kellen LaChapelle played against him for Uxbridge.
Part of Ken’s decision to retire after this year was knowing that his final game (barring a trip to the Super Bowl) would have two of his grandsons on the field.
“I knew win or lose, I’d be feeling pretty good because I had two grandsons in the game,” Ken said. “That’s pretty special.”
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