Thanksgiving Day football – New England Football Journal®

Patriots: Offense shows up, but defense, special teams & mental miscues hurt Pats in Thanksgiving loss

November 25, 2022

Image courtesy of ESPN Playing on Thanksgiving for the first time in a decade, the Patriots showed some surprising offensive firepower on Thursday night. Unfortunately, the two units that have carried the offense so far this season had arguably the worst game of the year in a 33-26 loss to the Vikings. This was a brutal loss for New England, there’s no need to sugarcoat it. Now at 6-5 and…

High School: Thanksgiving Day – Wellesley 24, Needham 17; Jimenez seals win for Raiders with late interception in 135th installment of historic rivalry

November 24, 2022

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NEEDHAM – After a thrilling overtime game in the 134th edition of the oldest Thanksgiving Day public school rivalry in 2021, it was going to be hard to top the atmosphere that last year’s game provided. Still, Needham hosted Wellesley on a beautiful and somewhat chilly Thanksgiving morning on Thursday for the 135th installment of the game and once again, it came down to the very end. Leading by seven…

High School: Watertown 21, Belmont 7, Raiders take down Belmont at Fenway

November 23, 2022

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By Ryan Martin NEFJ Correspondent BOSTON – Watertown Quarterback Johnny Cacace and Running back Will McHugh couldn’t believe they were playing football from historic Fenway Park. “It was a very special moment. It made you feel humble for a second, then you have to put your head down and play football.” Cacace said, with his dad and head coach John Cacace to his side. “It meant everything. This is a once…

High School: St. Mary’s 34, Austin Prep 21; Spartans get Thanksgiving win at Fenway

November 23, 2022

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By Ryan Martin NEFJ Correspondent BOSTON- Coming off of a one point win against Rockland five days ago in the division six semifinals, St. Mary’s high school was feeling fast as they entered their Thanksgiving game against Austin Prep. After the opening 12 minutes from historic Fenway Park, it was safe to say the Spartans hadn’t slowed down. St. Mary’s carried a 13-point lead into the first quarter break, an advantage…

High School: 10 Thoughts on Thanksgiving

November 26, 2021

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Fans came back in droves on Thursday. The combination of people missing the tradition and a beautiful morning, fans came out to support, the players, coaches and schools. Xaverian and St. John’s Prep played another classic. These two always play tight games on Thanksgiving typically and this year was no different. Franklin’s come from behind win gave them the Kelley-Rex title and they finished 10-1. You can make the argument…

High School: Don’t let anyone fool you. Thanksgiving football is alive and well in Massachusetts

November 25, 2021

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Talk of the demise of Thanksgiving Football in Massachusetts has been greatly exaggerated. You know how I know? I saw it first hand today at the King Philip, Franklin game. I am guesstimating here but there were probably between 2,500 to 3,000 people at the game. Now look, I get it. There was a league title at stake and it was a beautiful morning. Despite that, I still think it…

High School: Wellesley wins OT thriller over Needham in 134th installment of the country’s oldest public school rivalry

November 25, 2021

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WELLESLEY – When you’re a part of the oldest public school rivalry in the country it’s hard to make memories that everyone in attendance will remember forever, but Carlos Giron and Louis Person did that for the Raiders and everyone wearing red and black on Thursday morning. Giron had a huge pass break up on fourth down to end Needham’s first possession in OT, then one play later Person rumbled…

High School: Hanover dominates Norwell 35-7 in latest Thanksgiving Day clash

November 25, 2021

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By Sullivan Coady – NEFJ [email protected] NORWELL – The Hanover Hawks couldn’t have asked for a better finish to the 2021 season. The Hawks shined on both sides of the ball in an explosive 35-7 victory over Norwell in the 55th Thanksgiving meeting. Hanover finishes up at 7-4 while Norwell wraps up its season at 4-6. The Hawks extend their series lead to 31-23-1. Hanover’s offense has been explosive all…

High School: East Boston hammers South Boston & North Andover wins thriller over Andover in first of two doubleheaders at Fenway

November 24, 2021

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By Sullivan Coady – NEFJ [email protected] Fenway football is back this week. For the first time in quite a while, high school teams are having their annual Thanksgiving rivalry games make a big return this year. Tuesday and Wednesday night Fenway Park is hosting a total of four games leading up to the first ever NCAA Fenway Bowl in December. East Boston and South Boston renewed their historic 103-year rivalry…

High School: What Thanksgiving Football Means to Me

November 25, 2020

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Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is not only a day for giving thanks but it is also a day defined by family, food and football. Unlike other holidays, it has not been commercialized and in many ways, that is what still makes it special. Football has been the centerpiece of my Thanksgiving since I can remember. As an adult, I have been fortunate enough to coach in six Thanksgiving…

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