Toms River South-Lakewood Thanksgiving Football: Share Memories

It has been the longest-running Thanksgiving high school football rivalry in the Shore Conference: Toms River South-Lakewood. Every Thanksgiving, going back to 1920.

After 98 years, that annual meeting appears to be no more: A report by the Asbury Park Press said the rivalry game was not included as part of the 2018 Shore Conference football schedule that the Press received on Friday. The schedule reflects a number of changes, including the new round of NJSIAA playoffs, which begin the first weekend in November, according to the report.

The Toms River South-Lakewood game has been part of the fabric of the community for decades. For many, it is an informal annual reunion — a chance to reconnect with old friends and relive those high school football days.

Three years ago, during the 95th meeting, a game at Toms River South's Detwiler Stadium, there was a marriage proposal — and I'm sure it wasn't the first time.

READ MORE: For Toms River South, Every Thanksgiving Is A Family Reunion

Unless there is a drastic change of heart — the Press report said the two schools have the option to hold the game if they so choose, but it must be a decision of both schools — it appears Toms River South and Lakewood fans are left only with their memories of the game.

With that in mind, we invite you to share your memories of the game — whether you were just a fan, played in the marching bands, or played in the games.

Email your memories to karen.wall@patch.com. If you have personal photos to share — Patch cannot publish photos that came from other publications — please send those along as well.

Photo from the Toms River South-Lakewood Thanksgiving game in 2014 by Karen Wall, Patch staff