As someone who has grown up in Waltham and Billerica, I will be the first to admit there is an eastern Massachusetts bias against western Massachusetts athletics. That’s just the way it is and the way it’s always been for as long as I’ve been alive. Up until 2012 I thought the western part of the state started in Milford. Having said all that and having now covered sports around…
Image courtesy of St. Sebastian’s Public high school football programs have dealt with the loss of the fall season and can see the light at the end of the tunnel as they look ahead towards February. The same can’t be said for ISL programs. With different schedules both acldemecially and athletically, there is no way that ISL football teams could play in February and not interfere with spring sports. So,…
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…
Series Record: Marblehead leads the series 55-49-6 Look at the Rivalry: Swampscott and Marblehead were scheduled to meet for the 111th time this season but that meeting is on hold thanks to COVID-19. The first meeting between the two schools took place in 1910. Since then, this rivalry has produced some of the best games in the state on Thanksgiving Day. The rivalry has had its far share of upsets…
Brothers Dale and Dana Olson know what it takes to win a state championship. Dana was the head coach while Dale was on the staff for the Millis Mohawks’ 2016 and 2017 wins at Worcester State and Gillette Stadium. Now, the duo is hoping to bring that type of success back to Milford. Dale Olson was named the head coach of the Scarlet Hawks just before the pandemic took over….
If you’ve grown up playing, coaching, covering or watching Thanksgiving football in Massachusetts, chances are Mike Lynch has been a part of your post-meal routine for years now. Lynch – the host of WCVB’s “High 5 Salutes Thanksgiving Heroes” wrap up show every Thanksgiving night for 30+ years – won’t be sitting in a chair surrounded by high school memorabilia, and he won’t have a handful of hoodies on hand…
Series Record: Natick leads this historic rivalry 54-46-2. Look at the Rivalry: Since 1904, the Redhawks and Flyers have met on Thanksgiving morning and have produced countless memories for thousands of fans and supporters. The Redhawks won seven straight games from 2011-2017, but the 2018 upset win (14-6) for Framingham at historic Fenway Park the night BEFORE Thanksgiving will forever be remembered as one of the most memorable games in…
Series Record: Gloucester and Danvers have played every Thanksgiving morning since 1964, and the Fishermen lead the series 37-19. Look at the Rivalry: Despite’s Gloucester’s dominance overall, it’s been a special past couple of seasons for the Falcons. Last year’s 56th meeting ended with Danvers thumping Gloucester 61-12, but more importantly, it was the first time Danvers had won two straight Thanksgiving meetings since 1993 & 1994. The win also…
Series Record: This one hasn’t been around long but it’s already been quite competitive, with East Bridgewater leading the series 7-5. Look at the Rivalry: Rockland took home a 48-14 victory last season. Last year’s game may have been, and most likely will be one of the most significant in rivalry history for the foreseeable future with quarterback Dante Vasquez becoming the all-time leading rusher in Rockland history with a…
Series Record: Fairhaven leads the all-time series 42-36-4, but Dartmouth leads the Thanksgiving Day series 40-19. Dartmouth has actually dominated the Thanksgiving Day game as of late, winning 12 of the last 15 matchups. Look at the Rivalry: These two have been playing on Turkey Day since 1959. The Walter MVP Award is also given out after every game on Thanksgiving, a tradition that started in 1974. The Indians rolled…