There is nothing quite like it anywhere. High School Thanksgiving rivalry games, like the one we have been playing with Stoughton High School for the past 92 years, bring two communities together each year to celebrate all that is great about high school sports. It's not about a season championship or any individual honors. It's about your town, school, family and doing your best in representing all of them- with all of the community behind you and watching you. It's about tradition and pride and friends, families and even foes.
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| 2017 Thanksgiving Day victors- The Canton Bulldogs |
As CHS Athletic Director, I get a pretty good view of the game each November from the sidelines. I have watched many years of both Black Knights and Bulldogs hoist the Turkey Day trophy high above their heads and each one of those post-game moments leaves a lasting impression on me. This year, watching our boys run to grab the trophy from me and dance around it as a team was a very proud moment. I'm proud of our kids and coaches. This moment- a big upset win- represented all of their hard work and commitment. They made their town proud. It was also awesome to see so many of the Canton players and Stoughton players and coaches talking to each other after the game. Canton boys were tapping their foes on their helmets telling them to keep their heads up while Black Knights were congratulating the Bulldogs on what was a very impressive victory. This bitter rivalry didn't feel bitter at all after the game. Just two teams of dozens of players and coaches, having just fought for their towns, reflecting on all that work and the journey of their season. Pretty cool moment and one that shouldn't be lost on all of us. Kudos to Head coaches
Dave Bohane and Greg Burke- you have both clearly lead your boys and coaches to this moment.
Congratulations to our Bulldogs on a 27-0 victory over the Black Knights on Thanksgiving Day- November 23, 2017. Congrats to Stoughton on a great season and for being worthy adversaries. We can all look forward to doing it all again next November- for the 93rd time.
Happy Thanksgiving.
