Thanksgiving – a day of gratitude, family gatherings, delicious feasts, and in many parts of New England, high school football. While most of the country tunes in to the NFL games broadcasted nationally, New Englanders have a special and longstanding tradition that dates back decades. It's not just about the turkey and cranberry sauce; it's also about rivalry, community, and the joy of the game.
Why High School Football on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving Day high school football games are a unique tradition to New England. The custom is so entrenched in the culture that many New Englanders can't imagine their Turkey Day without it. But what led to this regional phenomenon?
The origins are rooted in community pride and competition. High school football became popular in the early 20th century, and schools began scheduling their most significant rivalry games on Thanksgiving Day. It was a time when communities would come together, and what better way than around a passionate display of local talent?
A Gathering of Generations
The beauty of these games is how they draw both current students and alumni. Bleachers filled with cheering fans, familiar faces from the past and present, come together to relive memories and make new ones. It’s not just about the current match but also about reminiscing past victories and defeats, legendary plays, and unforgettable moments.
With over 180 teams participating, these games are more than mere sporting events. They are community gatherings, where generations connect over shared experiences and stories. Parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends – all come together, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
More Than Just A Game
While the sport itself is a big draw, the spirit of community is what makes the day special. Heading to your alma mater or even just your local community game, you're not just a spectator; you're a participant in a tradition. These games offer an opportunity to bond with neighbors, reconnect with old friends, and introduce younger generations to the magic of the tradition.
Post-game, as the crowds disperse and families head home, the spirit of the game blends seamlessly with the spirit of Thanksgiving. Stories from the match mix with the aroma of roasting turkey and freshly baked pumpkin pie, setting the stage for a festive meal.
In Conclusion
Thanksgiving in New England has a unique flavor, flavored not just by delicious dishes but also by the sweat and spirit of high school football players and their cheering communities. So, if you ever find yourself in New England on the last Thursday of November, make sure to catch one of these legendary games. It's an experience that truly encapsulates the essence of community, tradition, and the Thanksgiving spirit.
Happy Thanksgiving and Good Luck to Your Team!
High School Football is returning to Fenway Park with a pair of doubleheaders on November 21 & 22! Check it out and buy your tickets ...
The following is a list of some local Thanksgiving Day games in and around the Boston, Metrowest and Cape Cod areas on Thursday, November 23rd with Kick-off @ 10 AM ... except where noted at the end:
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School vs Westford Academy
Acton-Boxborough High School … Leary Fied/Richard E. Dow Track
Charter Road, Acton, MA 01720
Ashland High School vs Hopkinton High School
Ashland High School
65 E Union Street, Ashland, MA 01721
Bellingham High School vs. Norton High School
Bellingham High School
60 Blackstone Street, Bellingham, MA 02019
Blackstone Valley RVT High School vs. Nipmuc Regional High School
Blackstone Valley RVT High School
65 Pleasant Street, Upton, MA 01568
Boston Latin vs Boston English (rivalry and Thanksgiving opponents since 1887!)
Harvard University Stadium
79 N Harvard Street, Boston 02134
Bourne - Upper Cape Cod RVT High School vs Cape Cod RVT, Harwich
Upper Cape Cod RVT High School
220 Sandwich Road, Bourne, MA 02532
Braintree High School vs Milton High School
Braintree High School
128 Town Street, Braintree, MA 02184
Brookline High School vs Newton North High School
Brookline High School
115 Greenough Street, Brookline, MA 02445
Concord-Carlisle High School vs Lexington High School
Concord-Carlisle High School
500 Walden Street, Concord, MA 01742
Dover-Sherborn High School vs Medfield Senior High School
Dover-Sherborn High School
9 Junction Street, Dover, MA 02030
Framingham High School vs Natick High School
Bowditch Field
475 Union Ave., Framingham, MA 01702
Grafton High School vs Millbury High School
Grafton High School
24 Providence Road, North Grafton, MA 01536
Hudson High School vs Marlborough High School
Hudson High School
69 Brigham Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Lexington - Minuteman Regional High School vs Keefe Tech, Framingham
Minuteman Regional High School
758 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421
Lincoln-Sudbury High School vs Newton South High School
Lincoln-Sudbury High School
390 Lincoln Road, Sudbury, MA 01776
Mansfield High School vs Foxborough High School
Mansfield High School
250 East Street, Mansfield, MA 02048
Mashpee High School vs Sandwich High School
Mashpee High School
500 Old Barnstable Road, Mashpee, MA 02649
Medway High School vs Millis High School
Medway High School
88 Summer Street, Medway, MA 02053
Milford High School vs Taunton High School
Milford High School
31 W Fountain Street, Milford, MA 01757
Nashoba Regional High School (Bolton) vs. Clinton High School
Nashoba Regional High School
12 Green Road, Bolton, MA 01740
Nauset Regional High School vs Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School
HS Stadium Turf
100 Cable Road, North Eastham, MA 02642
North Quincy High School vs. Quincy High School
Veterans Memorial Stadium
850 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02170
Northbridge High School vs Uxbridge High School
Northbridge High School
427 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588
Norwood High School vs Dedham High School
Norwood High School
245 Nichols Street, Norwood, MA 02062
Oliver Ames High School vs. Sharon High School
Oliver Ames High School Muscato Stadium
100 Lothrop Street, North Easton, MA 02356
Stoughton High School vs Canton High School
Stoughton High School
232 Pear Street, Stoughton, MA 02072
Sutton High School vs. Blackstone-Mullville
Sutton High School
409 Boston Road, Sutton, MA 01590
Wachusett Regional High School vs. Shrewsbury High School
Wachusett Regional High School
1401 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520
Wayland High School vs. Weston High School
Wayland High School
264 Old Connecticut Path, Wayland, MA 01778
Wellesley High School vs Needham High School
Wellesley High School
50 Rice Street, Wellesley, MA 02481
West Boylston/Tahanto High School vs Maynard High School
West Boylston/Tahanto High School
125 Crescent Street, West Boylston, MA 01583
Weymouth High School vs. Walpole High School
Weymouth High School
1 Wildcat Way, Weymouth, MA 02190
Westborough High School vs. Algonquin Regional High School (Northborough-Southborough Regional School District)
Westborough High School
90 W Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581
Westwood High School vs Holliston High School
Westwood High School
200 Nahatan Street, Westwood, MA 02090
Xaverian Brothers vs St. John’s Prep
XBHS Varsity Stadium
800 Clapboardtree Stree, Westwood, MA 02090
**GAME DAY: Wednesday, November 22nd @ 12PM **
Worcester - North High School vs South High School
Foley Stadium
305 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602