The North Attleborough Red Rocketeers and the Attleboro Blue Bombardiers will face off once again in their storied Thanksgiving Day rivalry, a tradition over 100 years in the making.
This time-honored tradition, which will take place on Thursday, Nov. 28, at 10 a.m. at North Attleborough High School, brings the communities together in a spirited clash that celebrates not just football, but the shared history of both towns.
For the seniors on each team, the game is especially meaningful. Michael Strachan, head coach of North Attleborough’s football team, reflected on its lasting impact.
“What I love is it’s a forever game…it’s memorable,” he said. “This will be the seniors’ last memory of football…Players come back with families and talk about their senior game.”
Jim Winters, coach of Attleboro’s football team, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of sending off the seniors with pride.
“It’s sad to see the season come to an end, but it means a lot,” he said. “It means a lot to send these kids off on the right note…My captains have been outstanding leaders, and this has been a tight group.”
Beyond the seniors, the game fosters a deep sense of community. Alumni and families pack the stands each year, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a celebration than a rivalry.
“It’s a prideful time for both communities,” Strachan said.
North Attleboro also honors tradition by decorating helmets the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, a symbolic gesture of team pride and unity.
The Red Rocketeers and Blue Bombardiers will take the field again this Thanksgiving morning, continuing a century-old tradition that celebrates competition, community and the lasting bonds of football.
