Images courtesy of the Boston Herald

Series Record: Reading leads the all-time series 61-24-8.

View of the Rivalry: Stoneham and Reading have been playing on Thanksgiving since 1899. However, the Spartans and Rockets have been playing continuously that morning since 1923. This is one of the oldest rivalries in the state of Massachusetts and is also recognized as one of the oldest in the entire country as well.

While Reading has dominated the series, Stoneham has had some memorable wins in the series including 2016 when the Spartans beat the Super Bowl bound Rockets.

Reading returned the favor in 2018, beating the Spartans 28-26 in double overtime. Stoneham went to the Super Bowl that year.

Both programs play a physical style of football that is reflective of the communities they represent. While this rivalry may not have the history and prestige of other North Shore rivalries, it has been one of the best Thanksgiving rivalries in the state in recent years.

Images of a Rivalry