The Thanksgiving football rivalry between New Bedford High and Durfee High is set to take a historic turn this year as the two teams prepare to face off at the iconic Fenway Park in Boston. This matchup marks the 135th edition of the long-standing rivalry, which has become a cherished tradition in Massachusetts high school sports.
The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve, November 25, and is part of a special event featuring four traditional rivalry games at Fenway Park. The Boston Red Sox, who are hosting the event, announced the details on September 3, with general admission tickets priced at $20, allowing fans to attend both games on that day.
New Bedford's athletic director, Tom Tarpey, expressed his enthusiasm for the unique opportunity, stating, "It’s really exciting. The players and staff are really excited." This sentiment was echoed by senior two-way lineman Congo Hepburn, who noted the joy among teammates upon learning they would play at such a prestigious venue. "When we found out, everybody was so happy. It’s just a great thing," Hepburn remarked.
Historically, New Bedford leads the all-time series against Durfee with a record of 85 wins, 41 losses, and 8 ties. Out of the 116 meetings, 116 have taken place on Thanksgiving Day, with 18 additional non-Thanksgiving matchups. Recently, however, the Hilltoppers have found success in the rivalry, winning three of the last five Thanksgiving games, including back-to-back victories in 2024 and 2025.
As the teams prepare for this year's clash, New Bedford is looking to bounce back from a challenging 2025 season, where they finished without a win. Under the leadership of head coach Bob Lomp, who is in his second year, the Whalers are eager to start the 2026 season on a positive note. In contrast, the Hilltoppers concluded their previous season with a record of 5-6, winning their last two games.
Coach Lomp acknowledges 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, while also reminding his players not to overlook the challenges ahead. The Whalers have a crucial game against Brockton on October 24, which could have implications for their performance in the Big 3 Conference.
Looking ahead, both teams are hopeful that their respective upcoming games will set the stage for a thrilling Thanksgiving showdown. Lomp expressed optimism, stating, "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 Thanksgiving football games at Fenway Park will also feature other matchups, including Cambridge Rindge & Latin versus Somerville and Canton against Stoughton on November 24, followed by New Bedford versus Durfee and Xaverian Brothers facing St. John Prep on November 25. This event not only highlights the rich tradition of high school football in Massachusetts but also provides a unique platform for these young athletes to showcase their skills in a historic setting.
Leave a Comment