The annual Thanksgiving football rivalry between New Bedford High and Durfee is set to take on a unique twist this year as the two teams prepare to face off at the iconic Fenway Park in Boston. This matchup, which marks the 135th edition of the rivalry, will take place on Thanksgiving Eve, November 25, at 4 p.m.
As one of the longest-running high school football rivalries in Massachusetts, the contest between the Whalers and the Hilltoppers has a rich history. The Boston Red Sox announced on September 3 that Fenway Park will host four traditional Thanksgiving rivalry games, including the highly anticipated clash between New Bedford and Durfee. General admission tickets for the event are priced at $20, granting access to both games scheduled for that day.
New Bedford athletic director Tom Tarpey expressed his enthusiasm about the event, stating, "It’s really exciting. The players and staff are really excited." This sentiment was echoed by senior two-way lineman Congo Hepburn, who remarked, "When we found out, everybody was so happy. It’s just a great thing." The excitement surrounding the game is palpable, as it offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the players to compete in such a historic venue.
Historically, New Bedford holds the advantage in the rivalry with an overall record of 85 wins, 41 losses, and 8 ties against Durfee. Of the 134 meetings, 116 have occurred on Thanksgiving Day, with the Hilltoppers securing victories in three of the last five encounters, including back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025. In 2025, Durfee triumphed over New Bedford with scores of 36-0 and 26-6 in their Thanksgiving matchups.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, New Bedford is eager to turn the page after a challenging winless season in 2025. Under the leadership of head coach Bob Lomp, who is entering his second year, the Whalers aim to secure their first victory. In contrast, Durfee concluded the previous season with a record of 5-6, having won their last two games.
Coach Lomp recognizes the significance of playing at Fenway Park but emphasizes the need for his team to remain focused on the present. "It’s going to be a great experience for the kids," he said. "We’re trying not to think about it right now because we have so much on our plate, but it’s certainly an exciting way to finish the season." The Whalers are hopeful that their performance in the upcoming weeks will set the stage for a competitive showdown at Fenway Park.
As the season progresses, both teams are gearing up for crucial games that could impact their standings in the Big 3 Conference. New Bedford will face Brockton on October 24, while Durfee is set to meet another opponent on October 30. Coach Lomp noted, "If we can somehow figure out how to win Week 7, that game would be a lot of fun. It’s exciting. It’s one of the oldest rivalries in the state. We know that’s there. The kids know that’s there. Not a lot of kids get to do that — play at Fenway Park." The anticipation for this historic matchup continues to build as both teams prepare for the challenges ahead.
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