Nashua North Vs. South Thanksgiving Football Game Canceled Again

NASHUA, NH — Another holiday tradition has been canceled again due to coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Thanksgiving Day, the Nashua South vs. Nashua North high school football game will not be held for the second year in a row. Lisa Gingra, the Nashua School District director of athletics, made the announcement on Friday. She said there will also be no games on Wednesday or Thursday either.

“Though some individuals may be disappointed that the traditional game will not be played again this year, the health and safety of our students, staff, and their families (are) first and foremost,” she said.

As of Thursday, there were 218 active cases of coronavirus in the Gate City and slightly less than 9,600 accumulative cases since March 1. About 100 residents have died during the 19-month pandemic.

Gingras said the cancelation of the Nashua Holiday Stroll was “the first indication” the game between the Titans and Purple Panthers might be in jeopardy for 2021. As the city’s infections continued to rise, putting students, staff, and families, “in an atmosphere where many spectators may have traveled from other parts of the country to attend the game while visiting family in Nashua, seems like a needless risk.”

She added, “We want everyone to remain safe and healthy during their holiday season and into the winter athletic season” and hoped for patience as the district “worked through” the “difficult decision.”

The teams continue to play regular games this season, including matchups at Alvirine and Stellos Stadium Friday.

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