A Change in Tradition? Not so Fast
Credit: David Tinglof
December 5, 2018
For the first time ever, this year’s annual Thanksgiving showdown between WHS and rival Algonquin did not take place on Thanksgiving Day. Due to extreme temperatures on the holiday, the game was shifted to a 5 pm kickoff on the eve of Thanksgiving. The Rangers ultimately came out on top by a score of 10-0 beneath the beautiful, brand-new lights of Mewhiney Field.
Here in Massachusetts, the annual Thanksgiving morning football games that take place across the entire state are incredibly unique within a national scope. Add in the fact that most games– including Westborough’s– pair two bitter rivals against one another, and you have the very aspect that many proclaim to be the definition of Massachusetts high school football.
However, the tradition is coming under threat. After most of the state was forced to move their games to Thanksgiving Eve this year, some schools were so enthralled with their attendance and atmosphere that a question has quietly arisen as to whether the game should permanently take place on the night preceding Thanksgiving.
A longshot? Hopefully, as this longstanding tradition should not be altered.
The Thanksgiving rivalries in this wonderful state are second to none nationwide, and anybody that has attended the Westboro-Gonk game on Thanksgiving morning can certainly attest to that. The game brings each community together, and turns a day of celebration with family into a day that includes reuniting with old friends and spending time with current ones.
Anybody I have ever talked to from other states is fascinated by the idea of squaring off with their rival school on Thanksgiving morning. It is truly a tradition unlike any other that we have in Massachusetts, and shouldn’t dare be tampered with.
Sure, a Thanksgiving Eve football game is also nice. But it doesn’t possess the same unique qualities that a chilly 10 a.m. Thursday morning kickoff against one’s rival encompasses.
In addition, I would be concerned about the slippery-slope-effect that could follow should Thanksgiving football ever permanently become Thanksgiving Eve football. These types of discussions will always exist, and who’s to say whether some time down the road, there might be a push to simply move the Turkey Day games all the way up to the weekend before? After all, the Thanksgiving games throw a wrench in the MIAA Playoffs and State Championships which take place after the annual rivalry matchups.
On behalf of the entire state, please do not give in to the pressure, and keep Thanksgiving football on actual Thanksgiving.
