2021 Turkey Day Football Classic Pits Bucs Against Red Devils

July 28, 2021

After a 48-year hiatus, Bedford’s Thanksgiving football classic returns to its roots.

Bedford High School Director of Athletics Keith Mangan Wednesday confirmed that BHS and its Burlington counterpart have agreed to restore the contest – at least for the next two seasons.

The Nov. 25 match will be in Burlington, and the Thanksgiving game will return to Sabourin Field in Bedford in 2022.

Bedford and Burlington met on Thanksgiving for several years, but the series ended after a league realignment in 1972. Since then, Bedford has played Concord-Carlisle and Burlington has faced Lexington High.

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Back in April, BHS announced an end to the Concord-Carlisle series, because the games haven’t been competitive for several years. So the original Thanksgiving configuration for the four schools has been restored.

“We are going to try to make this as exciting as possible,” Mangan said. He hopes former captains and other veterans of the Bedford-Burlington series will return for the renewal, perhaps getting involved in pre-game ceremonies. He also would like to see the Red Devils and the Buccaneers compete in other sports.

State Rep. Ken Gordon of Bedford, whose district comprises both towns, came up with a no-lose solution to the dilemma.

Referring to the traditions of office-holders making friendly wagers on the outcome of sports rivalries, Gordon said, “I’m going to bet with myself. That way, one of the two town food pantries will be sure to benefit.”

He added, laughing, “I’m rooting hard for the Red Bucs, all the way.”

Mike Rosenberg can be reached at [email protected], or 781-983-1763

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