When I first moved from New Jersey to Massachusetts, I’ll admit something: I didn’t fully understand the magnitude of Thanksgiving football.
Sure, I knew about rivalry games and holiday matchups back home, but what happens in this state feels different. It’s not just a game on the schedule; it’s a tradition woven into the identity of communities.
The buildup starts early. Young and old alumni come back to town. From the powderpuff game to Thanksgiving Day, students treat this week like its own miniature season.
Each school’s fans are repped in their Marblehead and Swampscott apparel. You hear people talk about past matchups, plays, and memories that are easily recalled — even from decades ago.
Forget Red Sox-Yankees, Celtics-Lakers, or Bruins-Canadiens. For many players, this is their first taste of a rivalry. For the parents and alumni in the stands, it’s one they will never forget.
And for the seniors, it becomes something they’ll remember long after their last snap — no matter how their respective seasons or Thursday’s game went.
“Thanksgiving football brings out the best in both towns. It’s emotional, it’s intense, and it’s the kind of game you don’t have to give a pregame speech for,” said Swampscott coach Peter Bush. “The rivalry speaks for itself.”
What stands out to me most is how the game connects generations. Parents who once played in the rivalry now watch their kids take the field. Coaches like Bush (Class of ‘97), who was the captain of the Big Blue, has witnessed his son, Will, play in the rivalry as he once did.
Peter Bush knows the pressure kids are under when the big day approaches.
“All the players have pressure when you play for the Big Blue. Obviously, it’s a little more pressure being that he’s my kid. He’s a hard worker and does everything the right way and that’s all you can ask,” Peter Bush said. “He bleeds blue. Not a good way to end his career here, but all these kids should look back and be proud. You can ask if it’s a moral victory, but there’s no moral victory on Thanksgiving. You want to come out of here with a win.”
Again, coming from New Jersey, I didn’t realize how deep this ran. But after living and working here — covering this game and seeing what it means to Marblehead, Swampscott, and everyone else — I get it now.
Thanksgiving football isn’t just part of the holiday around here.
It is the holiday.
