As Thanksgiving festivities settle over Central Massachusetts, two communities once again prepare for a tradition older than every student and staff walking the halls today. On Thanksgiving morning, the Leominster Blue Devils and Fitchburg Red Raiders will meet on Crocker Field Fitchburg, MA for their annual rivalry game. an event that has become as much a part of the holiday as turkey and stuffing.
This will be their 145th historic meeting – one of the longest in the Nation.
For more than a century, the Blue Devils and Red Raiders have lined up across from each other, carrying the hopes of their towns on their shoulder pads. Generations have stood on the sidelines, in the bleachers, or proudly on the field wearing a jersey, making this game one of the most storied high school football rivalries in New England.
This year’s matchup comes with familiar storylines and new energy.
Leominster enters Thanksgiving at 7–3, having put together a strong and determined season. Their offense has delivered big plays from players like LHS Senior and Quarterback Osiris Lopez all year.
The team is coming in strong, as highlighted by impressive wins such as their 42–21 victory over Franklin and a commanding 34–0 shutout of Grafton.
Although their recent five-game winning streak was snapped by #1 ranked Massachusetts team St. John’s Prep in the playoffs, it was a game where Osiris Lopez threw for 20/29 280 yard passing and another 185 on the ground, 5 total touchdowns, 2 with the legs and 3 through the air. The game was competitive and close until the end, and the Blue Devils had a great showing from their high-powered offense.
Meanwhile, Fitchburg comes in at 2–8, a record that doesn’t reflect the grit and heart the Red Raiders have shown throughout the fall. While they’ve battled, their highlights include their 22–6 win over Monument Mountain, shows the potential for big plays through Jamani LaGuerre who had 11 carries for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns.
If history has taught us anything, it’s that rivalry games have magic to them. As the teams take to the field all their records fade, the crowds roar, and heroes emerge.
As players from both sides take the field this Thursday, they won’t just be stepping into a football game. They’ll be stepping into a story. Seniors will play their final snaps in front of their hometowns. Families will gather in packed bleachers, and communities will come together to share in a tradition that continues to define them.
Whether you wear Blue Devil blue or Red Raider red, Thanksgiving morning promises emotion, intensity, and the kind of memories that last long after the final whistle.
Because in Leominster and Fitchburg, this isn’t just football. It’s history It’s pride.
It’s Thanksgiving.
The game will be carried live starting at 10 AM on Thanksgiving on both LTV Leominster TV and FATV at Fitchburg Access Television, Inc. (FA TV)
