Week in Sports: Thanksgiving Football

Game of the Week: Delaware Valley @ Rumson-Fair Haven – Football, Nov. 18

In the NJSIAA Group 2 semifinal game on Friday night, the Bulldogs of Rumson-Fair Haven showed no signs of slowing down their then 9-0 record.

It took less than a quarter for the Bulldogs to take their first lead of the game, scoring after a mere six plays after the opening kickoff. The team’s second score came thanks to a Delaware Valley punt and a 70-yard return from senior running back Connor Riley, giving Rumson-Fair Haven a 14-0 lead.

21 points and more than 400 all-purpose yards later, Rumson-Fair Haven clinched their place in the Group 2 championship, where they’ll take on the 8-2 Matawan High School Huskies.

Upcoming Game to Watch: Thanksgiving Day Football

Is there anything better than watching your favorite teams and players suit up on Turkey Day to play a little pigskin? It’s doubtful. That’s why this year Monmouth County residents should be thankful for the opportunity to watch four of their local high schools take the field early Thursday morning.

This year, fans can watch the 6-3 Middletown South Eagles take on the 4-5 Lions of crosstown rival Middletown North.

After starting the year with an ugly two-game losing streak, the Eagles finished the regular season winning each of their final six regular season games. It wasn’t until the first round of the NJSIAA tournament against Northern Burlington that South would suffer another loss.

Much like the Eagles, the Lions also started their season with a losing streak, with theirs extending to three games. After recording their first victory against Marlboro in week four, North would go on to win three of its next five games, but fail to qualify for the state tournament. These two evenly-matched squads meet for a 10:30 a.m. kickoff at Middletown South.

Also scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning is a matchup between the Falcons of Monmouth Regional and the Ocean Township High School Spartans.

Coming off a huge win in the consolation round of the NJSIAA tournament in which they defeated Ewing High School 33-12, Monmouth Regional looks to ride the momentum of their first victory in 2011 into the holiday against the 4-6 Spartans.

So Thursday, before you surround yourself with the company of your loved ones and a week’s worth of delicious food, be sure to stop by your local high school to support your favorite football team!