Thanksgiving Day football once again took center stage across Connecticut. Historic rivalries, playoff drama, and community pride collided on fields from New Haven to New London.
Some matchups date back more than a century. This year’s slate blended old-school tradition with modern playoff stakes and livestream coverage, reminding fans why Thanksgiving still matters so much on the state’s high school sports calendar.
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Historic Rivalries Anchor Connecticut’s Thanksgiving Tradition
Connecticut’s Thanksgiving rivalries are more than just games; they’re multigenerational events that knit communities together. Fans in towns like New Haven, Ansonia, Naugatuck, and Norwich circle this day every year, knowing bragging rights can last until next November.
Few rivalries carry as much history as the annual meeting between NFA and New London. It’s recognized as the oldest high school football rivalry in the country, dating back to 1875.
That tradition echoes the massive crowds seen in classic games of the past. The famous 1948 tilt between Hillhouse and West Haven drew fans in numbers modern stadiums rarely see.
Elm City Bowl: Hillhouse Shuts Out Wilbur Cross
In New Haven, the Elm City Bowl once again delivered. Hillhouse put on a show, blanking Wilbur Cross 16–0.
Their defense set the tone and controlled field position and tempo all game. Hillhouse added another proud chapter to the city’s football story.
Thanksgiving Games with Major Playoff Implications
This year’s holiday slate wasn’t just about history. With the CIAC postseason looming, several matchups directly affected playoff seeding and qualification.
From Meriden to Bloomfield, teams knew a whole season’s work could come down to one Thursday morning or afternoon. Families watched from the stands — and more than ever, from living rooms — as programs fought for trophies and a shot at the playoff bracket.
Maloney Dominates Platt in the Stoddard Bowl
In Meriden’s Stoddard Bowl, Maloney made a statement with a 42–13 rout of Platt. Joel Lopez and Jameir Diaz turned the rivalry into a highlight reel, each finding the end zone multiple times.
Maloney’s offense overwhelmed Platt from the opening series. The win boosted Maloney’s postseason profile in Class L and reinforced its status as one of the most explosive teams in central Connecticut.
Nearby communities like Southington and Middletown took notice as playoff pairings started to take shape.
Shelton, Bloomfield, Killingly and Others Lock In
In the Valley, Shelton held a late lead over Amity in a crucial game with major Class L implications. Every snap mattered as Shelton worked to secure its playoff spot ahead of December’s bracket announcement.
Elsewhere, several teams officially punched their postseason tickets:
Turkey Bowls and Classics Across the State
From the shoreline to the interior, rivalry games brought drama, blowouts, and everything in between. In Fairfield County, traditional powers faced off in front of packed bleachers and big online audiences.
Central and eastern Connecticut had their own share of nail-biters. These games weren’t just about the final score; alumni came home, student sections showed up loud, and communities from Greenwich to Southington rallied around their schools.
Turkey Bowl: New Canaan Rolls Past Darien
Few rivalries draw more attention than the Turkey Bowl between Darien and New Canaan. This year, New Canaan seized the spotlight, cruising to a 39–7 victory.
The Rams’ offense clicked early and often. Their defense shut down Darien’s comeback attempts.
For fans in both towns, the result will fuel conversations — and probably a little friendly tension — until next Thanksgiving.
Ansonia-Naugatuck Thriller Highlights Holiday Drama
The Valley’s oldest rivalry produced one of the day’s wildest finishes. Ansonia edged Naugatuck 34–33 in their 125th meeting.
The one-point margin showed just how evenly matched these programs still are, even after more than a century. With the win, Ansonia extended its postseason streak to 19 straight years.
That run means a lot, not just in Ansonia, but also in nearby communities like Waterbury and Derby.
Greenwich, St. Joseph, Southington and Bristol Take Center Stage
On the west side of the state, Greenwich notched a 33–19 win over Staples. That result matters for both FCIAC bragging rights and playoff positioning.
St. Joseph’s delivered a rare shutout against Trumbull, which isn’t easy considering the Eagles’ usual firepower. In central Connecticut, Southington dominated the Apple Valley Classic with a 31–0 shutout of Cheshire.
Southington’s defense looked as physical as ever. Farther east, Bristol’s “Battle for the Bell” needed overtime, with Bristol Central slipping past Bristol Eastern 12–6 in one of the day’s tightest finishes.
Livestreams Expand the Reach of a Connecticut Tradition
The roots of Thanksgiving football in Connecticut stretch back to the 19th century. But the way fans watch keeps evolving.
This year, 19 games streamed live on the NFHS Network. That brought the action from cities like Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Britain to viewers across the state and beyond.
Alumni living out of state, grandparents unable to travel, and college students home for the holiday could all tune in. It’s a modern twist on an old ritual, and honestly, it’s kind of cool to see these rivalries stay relevant in an online world.
A Holiday Built on Community, Competition and Pride
From the oldest rivalry in New London County to the newest playoff hopefuls in Bloomfield and Killingly, Thanksgiving football in Connecticut puts tradition and competition on full display. The scores might change. Stars graduate every year. But the spirit that fills those fields every November? That just doesn’t fade.
Teams now shift their focus to the postseason. Still, you can feel the echoes of Thanksgiving — the bands, the cold bleachers, those emotional senior-day hugs — from Stamford to Norwich. It’s a day that sticks with people and, honestly, it’s the heartbeat of high school football in Connecticut.
Here is the source article for this story: Connecticut high school football live updates: Thanksgiving clashes with playoffs on the line
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