Preview to the annual Thanksgiving football game

By: Katherine Freitas 

Wednesday, November 26 is the 32nd annual Thanksgiving Day high school football game. The game will be hosted by Newington, at Alumni Field, at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. 

In the last 42 years, this game has always had a big turnout from friends, family, community members, and others. Wethersfield has won 20 times, while Newington has won 24 times. Last year, Wethersfield won on their home turf, earning them an invite to the CIAC State Tournament. Even though Newington had an undefeated record, Wethersfield pulled through with the 22-14 win on Thanksgiving Eve. 

Senior Jacob Yanosy, the team's starting wide receiver and team captain, has been on the WHS Football team since his freshman year. Even though this event comes every year for the team, it never becomes “just another game.” “We have been practicing all week and we feel very prepared in all aspects for this game,” he said. The team had a week and a half to prepare just for this game, and are ready to put everything they have practiced out on the field on Wednesday. 

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Throughout the season, they have learned about their teammates in not just a football aspect, but as friends and peers. One thing they all have in common is that they show up and want to win. Yanosy said, “Our greatest strength is our will to win as a team. Every player no matter the position or amount of playing time wants to win and will do anything to achieve that goal.” Junior defensive end Corey Smith adds on, “Our greatest strength is our team chemistry and we are gonna use it to demoralize the Newington Nor’Easters.” Wethersfield will come to play on Wednesday with a competitive mindset.

Yanosy also explains how the nerves and pressures as a team will not affect them. “We all go into the game with the same mindset and that is to win,” he stated. To everyone else, this is just another game, but for the team, this is a game where focus and determination plays a key role. Smith says, “Yeah, it's a rivalry game, and it’s a must-win to clinch our spot in the Class MM playoffs.” 

Wednesday night, Wethersfield hopes that the strong community comes together to support a game that brings more excitement than others. The team hopes to bring home a win.

Photo credits: CT Insider and @Grafx.Eagle

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