Every year on Thanksgiving morning the deep-rooted rivalry between T-Hawk Nation and the Westborough Rangers re-ignites a 59 year old tradition that continually impacts the football teams as well as brings the communities together.

“[The] Thanksgiving Day game is a culmination of everybody coming together as a community and cheering for their school. It’s not necessarily about football.   It’s a culmination of what Algonquin stands for and the pride that the people have in Northborough and Southborough for the towns,” varsity football coach Justin McKay said.

The game brings a sense of unity for the communities and is remembered by many.

“I think the game impacts the community and school in many ways including bragging rights, chants at other sporting events, and school pride. But the memories surrounding the game is what really matters because everyone remembers coming together as a school and team,” senior captain Michael Baker said.

The Thanksgiving game has been known to draw immense crowds because it offers a family friendly activity on Thanksgiving morning.

“We used to have 5000 people at our game. [Now] It’s something to do on Thanksgiving morning and you see all your old friends. The alumni come, but they don’t watch the game. They just talk with each other,” former football coach Dick Walsh said.

Though the crowds have grown smaller, the game is still a source of school spirit and remembrance.

“It’s a game I’ve gone to every year since I was seven years old. I remember sitting in the crowd as a little kid looking up to the guys on the field.  There’s no way to describe the feeling I get playing in a Thanksgiving Day game,” Westborough senior football captain Kevin Sanders said.

McKay believes the game develops a lasting bond for everyone present.

“It’s a standing rivalry.  It’s someone that you may know across from you, you might have grown up with them, you may have taken part in extracurricular activities with them, and you’re going to go off in life and be connected to those people. That’s a huge deal because honestly it means so much more than just a game,” McKay said.

The Thanksgiving game reminds the teams of those who have come before them and what they have accomplished.

“I love thinking about how many different players wore the maroon and gold before me. But my favorite part is playing with all my brothers…Winning last year was my greatest accomplishment of my high school career,” Baker said.

In the past 13 years Algonquin has only been victorious three times.

“To be able to have those seniors make their mark on a rivalry that has been dominated by Westborough was very rewarding for them [last year]… it took a weight off their shoulders, but it also allowed them to know they worked hard and they achieved something,” McKay said.

Although Algonquin came out victorious last year, their opponents are not giving up the battle this year for the Thanksgiving bragging rights.

“These two teams have had many great battles on the field over the years and the distance between them is short and the students know each other,” Westborough varsity football coach Mark Ellis said.

The tradition is not just about the football team or game, but also about its impact on the community.

“Thanksgiving morning is not about our football team… It’s about the school… we represent every bit of our school. I think that if we are able to beat Westborough then everyone is able to beat Westborough. It’s a big moment for everyone,” McKay said.