Fifty-Five years Later, a Thanksgiving Football Game Still Echoes in Massachusetts
WELLESLEY, Mass. – For a generation of Massachusetts high school football players, the annual Thanksgiving Day clash wasn’t just a game; it was often the last time they’d ever play. That enduring legacy is powerfully felt even decades later, as evidenced by the continued fervor surrounding a 1968 contest between Wellesley High School and their rivals, the Dedham big Blue.
The 1968 game, decided by a controversial field goal, remains a touchstone for players on both sides, a testament to the deep-rooted traditions of Thanksgiving football in Massachusetts. These games transcend simple competition, forging lifelong bonds and becoming woven into the fabric of local identity. While the landscape of youth sports has dramatically changed, with many athletes specializing in single sports, the communal spirit of Thanksgiving football persists, offering a unique connection to the past for those who played and a continuing spectacle for communities across the state.
“Thanksgiving was it,” said former Harvard player and Wellesley alumnus, Tom Lynch, recalling the significance of the annual game for his generation. For many, he estimates 90 percent of his teammates, it marked the end of their football careers.
The Wellesley-Dedham rivalry, specifically the 1968 game, exemplifies this enduring impact. Lynch and his former opponents still dissect the game’s pivotal field goal, a source of friendly debate that has spanned over half a century.Despite the passage of time, the memories remain vivid, fueled by regular gatherings and a constant stream of text messages questioning the referees’ calls.
“Nothing’s changed in 55 years,” Lynch said. “We never let go of it. Ever.”
Even as life moves forward – Lynch himself slowed by a stroke in 2022 but now feeling better – the tradition endures. The annual Thanksgiving games continue to draw crowds, offering a unique blend of athletic competition and community festivity, a tradition that binds generations of Massachusetts residents.
