For football fans, there are few days on the calendar bigger than Thanksgiving. While some people are content to lie out on the Lay-Z-Boy after a huge plate of turkey and stuffing to watch the Dallas Cowboys or Detroit Lions tee it up, for a lot of heartier souls, a morning of controlled violence among local high school players is the essence of this particular holiday.
For most of my life, Thanksgiving morning has involved freezing my ass off at some football field in the Pioneer Valley. In high school, it was as a member of the Greenfield High School marching band. In recent years, it's been in the press box trying to provide some cogent radio or TV commentary while working hard to maintain a semblance of feeling in my legs and lower extremities.
But even if I weren't broadcasting, I'd still be at one of those games, because it's not just about football. It's more like a big party, a chance to see people you haven't seen in years, even some you'd rather not see. I found that out the hard way at the first Thanksgiving Day game after graduating high school, when I was accosted by an ex-girlfriend outside the north end zone at Greenfield's Veterans Field.
We'd had a bad breakup, and she gave me what-for in front of a bunch of people, including another ex, to whom I'm now married. It was embarrassing, but character-building.
Fortunately for me, exes aren't allowed in the press box, where I've had a bird's-eye view of a lot of high school teams that will be playing around the area next Thursday. It is with that perspective that I present my picks for the following 2007 Thanksgiving Day Classics.
Greenfield-Turners: This used to be a walk in the park for the Green Wave, but not anymore. Turners actually beat Greenfield in Greenfield last year, capping off an especially depressing winless season for the Green Wave. Greenfield is wrapping up what has been a less than stellar first year in the Intercounty League, but the Indians haven't fared much better, having been outscored almost three to one.
The key to this game will be Turners' ability to stop the run, which they haven't done that well this year. And with Greenfield stud running back Sean Boyle expected to be in the lineup, I've got to think the Green Wave will have no problem avenging last year's loss. My pick—Greenfield, by two touchdowns, at least.
Mohawk-Frontier: This game is on the night before Thanksgiving, and marks the first time these two rivals have met in a Turkey Day match-up. Unfortunately, I don't expect this to be much of a game. Mohawk has vastly improved this year, but Frontier just cinched their second consecutive Intercounty League title, and the Red Hawks have been rolling over pretty much everyone in their path. I don't expect Wednesday night to be any different. My pick—Frontier by 20.
Athol at Mahar: You can pretty much throw the records out whenever these teams get together. This year, though, I think Mahar's got the more balanced club. Athol will also be without its main offensive weapon, running back Evan Armentrout, who's nursing a broken hand, while Mahar's tandem running attack of sophomore Brian Beauchemin and freshman sensation Isaiah Jones has been tearing it up this season. My pick—Mahar by 10, but it won't shock me if it is closer than that.
Franklin Tech-Pioneer: To say it's been a tough year for the Pioneer Panthers is as about like saying New England Patriots are a pretty good team. The biggest issue has been injuries—a problem that is so severe, the Panthers actually had to forfeit a game against Dean Tech because they didn't have enough healthy bodies. Conversely, Franklin Tech has had a pretty good season. They've surprised a few teams, including McCann Tech, whom they knocked off two weeks ago for the right to play in the Vocational High School Super Bowl. Look for Tech back Cody Pease to go off in what has become quite the budding rivalry. My pick—Tech by 10.
Northampton-Amherst: What a stroke of genius it was to have these two teams finally play on this particular day. The Blue Devils and Hurricanes have always had a fierce rivalry, and the decision to have them meet on Turkey Day pretty much guarantees a Super Bowl-caliber game for both teams, regardless of their post-season status. So far, Northampton has gotten the better of Amherst in the "Battle of the Bridge," and given the way Hamp has moved the ball this season, I'm guessing we will see a similar outcome. My pick—Northampton by 14.
There may be other games of interest to you and yours. No matter what school you went to then or cheer for today, get out Thanksgiving morning and take advantage of a moment that is as much about community as it is about football. But one piece of advice to the men: steer clear of ex-girlfriends, assuming you want to be able to chew that turkey once you actually sit down to eat it.
