The boys varsity football team faced the Newton North Tigers on Thursday, Nov. 24 at Newton North High School during the annual Thanksgiving game. Despite the Warriors losing 41-13, the game was a continuation of a fiery rivalry existing since 1894.

The Warriors struggled defensively in the first quarter as the Tigers scored a touchdown on fourth down in the first few minutes. The Tigers then scored another touchdown off a blocked punt but had a failed two-point conversion attempt.

Cameron Evans, the Warriors’ cornerback, had impressive coverage during a 50-yard throw attempt by Tigers quarterback Adam Landry. Yet, the Tigers retained possession and ran the ball in for another touchdown. On the Tigers’ next possession, they scored on a run by wide receiver Brendan O’Guin from the one yard line. The first quarter ended with the Tigers holding a lead of 27-0.

The Warriors seemed like an entirely new team once the second quarter began. Brookline quarterback and junior Josh Karp threw a 20-yard pass to wide receiver and senior Donelle O’Neal, who then ran an additional 40 yards to score the Warriors’ first touchdown. The Tigers were unable to score during the second quarter, bringing the score to 27-7.

The cheerleading team performed during halftime, offering school spirit and enthusiasm. Newton North’s cheerleaders and dance team also performed, despite technical difficulties with their music.

To combat low morale, Karp gave an inspiring speech to the team during halftime, telling every player to put their all into the game.

“Some of these guys come into the half with their heads hanging and I think that sometimes they have to get used to someone getting on them and getting loud. My goal is to motivate them and make them better on the field. My hope is that at least one of them takes away something from that, steps up and makes a tackle or something like that,” Karp said.

The Warriors came on the field with renewed spirit in the third quarter with a string of successful plays. As the Warriors moved downfield, Karp threw the ball to wide receiver and junior Andrew Bamberg who then gained a total of 60 yards in two plays and brought the Warriors 20 yards away from their end zone. Despite this effort, the Warriors were not able to gain any points this quarter and the Tigers kept a lead of 34-7.

In the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Tigers scored. Still playing strong in the last four minutes, Karp threw a 30-yard pass to O’Neal. With the Warriors 15 yards away from the end zone, a flag was thrown against Newton North and the Warriors advanced to the five-yard line. Running back and junior Darin Grant then ran the ball in for the Warriors’ second touchdown. The clock ran out with the final score reading 41-13, Tigers.

According to head coach Chad Hunte, the Thanksgiving game is more important than a win or a loss; it is a manifestation of school spirit.

“This rivalry goes back to 1894. I went to Brookline High School, so I was a part of it,” Hunte said. “It’s such a big game for the school, and we’ll be ready for next year.”