Since 1882, Needham and Wellesley High have met for a Thanksgiving football clash. Not this year, though.

For many years, Needham and Wellesley High have staged the oldest public school Thanksgiving Day football game in the country.

Unfortunately, the 133rd edition of the Turkey Day (or day before) contest won’t happen this year due to the coronavirus pandemic canceling the annual game. But that doesn’t take away from just how special the rivalry is for players, coaches, alumni or those who have attended any of the 132 meetings dating back to 1882.

For Needham High head coach Doug Kopsco and Wellesley High coach Jesse Davis – who  played against each other in the 1998 Thanksgiving Day game – not being on a sideline at Needham High Thursday morning will be surreal.

“I’m going to miss seeing all of the players from the past and the entire town coming out for the big game,” Kopsco said. “There’s no other time when I can see a running back I coached a decade ago cheering next to my high school linebackers coach. We have generations of family members who have participated in this great game who come out once a year to reminisce and reconnect with the program and community.

“We talk about our current team as a Rocket family, but that lineage and tradition extends back for decades.”

“It’s going to be the first time since I’ve been out of the Marine Corps that I won’t be on the sideline for a game,” Davis added. “The first thing I’m going to do is check in with my players that morning and make sure they’re alright.

“As is the case with many coaches in our area, it’s a change and a struggle. If they let us, Doug and I would try to play this game on the moon in space suits.”

While it’s weird for coach’s statewide, it’s been worse for the players. Traditions like a bonfire before a Thanksgiving Day game can't happen this year. Instead, just the seniors from both teams will meet at Needham High School Thursday morning to take a socially-distanced photo to mark another historic “meeting” between the two schools.

“The week before Thanksgiving we try to do (a bonfire) in Wellesley where we recognize the seniors and it’s the last time we’re together as a team,” Davis said. “The game itself is special but that whole Thanksgiving week and the traditions that whole week, the way the practices feel, we always get together with the rotary clubs the night before.

“All those things play into the magic of the game aren’t there and it’s a huge void.”

No interaction in a COVID-19 era is expected, but the way last year’s game ended – a bench-clearing brawl wrapped things up prematurely with 2:05 left and the Raiders up 27-0 – has left a bad taste for both coaches. And the fact the two teams still haven’t shook hands to “officially” end last year’s game doesn’t sit well.

“We have so much respect for each other's programs, staffs, and players; it’s upsetting that we don't get a chance to restore this tradition to its rightful spot as one of the most storied and respectful rivalries in the country,” Kopsco said. “Wellesley and Needham are rivals, but the game has always been about relentless, yet respectful, competition.”

“We never got a chance to shake hands, that game was just stopped,” Davis added. “We talked about ways this summer to try to start it back up, because with so much tradition and so much positive interaction during the Thanksgiving Day game we were embarrassed the way it ended last year. I know both programs are ready to move forward and we’re dying to compete.”

Both Davis and Kopsco know that even though the rivalry is on hiatus this Thanksgiving – with Wellesley leading the series 63-60-9 – there is still a concentrated effort to remind both programs just how significant this rivalry’s place is in American history. 

“It means everything,” Kopsco said. “I grew up playing with Wellesley teammates in Pop Warner when our programs were combined. I watched every year from the hill, waiting for the time when I could be a part of this game. When I finally had an opportunity to return to this tradition as a coach, I got to appreciate the game even more. It means so much to so many players, parents and members of the community.”

“I certainly am constantly reminded of it and have a deep respect and appreciation for it,” Davis added. “We have players from past generations talk to our players, we show videos of the old grainy films to bring that history to the players, and I think that’s one of the biggest things that we’re missing this week.”