Thanksgiving Football Still A Tradition To Celebrate

You have heard the rumble, maybe even been a part of the debate. Thanksgiving high school football isn't what it used to be. Is it because with social media there's no need to "reconnect" with friends on the holiday? Or is it that evil MIAA playoff system that's blamed for many of the world's ills, including smaller crowds at football games.

But on a day with many rivalries that date back a 100 years or more, how about this proposal. Put aside the analysis for one day, and let's go support our local high school teams.

Here's a look at what's going on with area teams this holiday.

Lynnfield (8-2) at North Reading (6-4), 10 a.m. -- Both teams are coming off losses with Lynnfield's leaving the biggest mark, falling to Watertown in the Division 5 North final after holding a 10-point lead with less than three minutes to play. Sorry for the reminder. The Pioneers' Anthony and Tyler Murphy have combined for 21 touchdowns and will challenge the North Reading defense. If both teams are into it, this could be a great game. Lynnfield leads the series, 35-23.

Woburn (6-4) at Winchester (3-7), 10:15 a.m. -- Think of it ... if the Sachems pull off the upset they'll have wins over Woburn and Reading yet still finish 4-7. Hard to predict that one. In a season filled with injury and illness, Winchester deserves to finish on a high note. But Woburn won't be a pushover and Isaiah Cashwell-Doe (12 TDs) gives the Tanners a huge edge. Winchester leads the series, 53-47-12.

Stoneham (8-3) at Reading (3-7), 10 a.m. -- With six straight losses and most of the skill players they started the year with on the sidelines, Reading will be hard-pressed to beat one of the best Stoneham teams in years. Part of the question here is whether Stoneham is still focused on football after its tough loss to Middleboro in the Division 6 state semifinals. If the Spartans want to beat Reading, they will. Reading leads the series, 62-16-4.

Wakefield (4-6) at Melrose (11-0), 10:15 -- Right about now, Melrose coach Tim Morris is tired of being asked if he's going to play his starters. With Melrose heading to the Division 4 Super Bowl, the Red Raiders have bigger fish to fry than this matchup with Wakefield. But still, there's that undefeated record and the desire for a 13-0 season. As for Wakefield, the Warriors have been competitive all year and depending on who lines up across from them, it could be a good holiday. Melrose leads the series, 55-40-6.

Lynn Tech (10-1) at Austin Prep (1-9), Wed., 6 p.m. -- It's almost unfair that AP gets to close its season against a 10-1 team. The Cougars have gone 3-18 the last two seasons and beating the Tigers is a lot to ask. Lynn Tech's only loss is to powerhouse Cathedral. Series tied 1-1.

Essex Tech (2-8) at Northeast (3-7), 10 a.m. -- This will be your last chance to see Northeast's Zach Anderson, the top scorer in Division 6 with 22 touchdowns and 156 points. The Northeast offense has worth the price of admission all year. Northeast leads series, 1-0.