For nearly a century, a gridiron face off against Toms River High School South and Lakewood High School occurs annually on Thanksgiving Day.
Known for its deep rooted tradition and fun you can find no where else in New Jersey where the annual meeting is turning 100 this year. Unfortunately, this will also be the last Thanksgiving Day game between the two teams.
This years’ game will be on Thanksgiving Day (November 28th) at 11 a.m.. The game will be held in Lakewood at the Piners’ Russell E. Wright Sports Complex. There will be a pre-game show introducing important people and the combined bands of South and Lakewood.
The story behind the football game is a long and famous one. The overall record of the 99 games played since 1919 stands at 56 wins for Toms River High School South and 39 wins for Lakewood High School, with 4 ties. Venues have changed between the two high schools, usually changing every year, but sometimes randomly.
This year, South was unsuccessful in getting Detwiler Stadium picked after much lobbying. All levels of the teams are allowed to play in the Thanksgiving game, with the varsity team leading the way. The first games played against the Piners were not referred to as the “Thanksgiving Game” until 1928. From then on the rivalry was known as the “Thanksgiving Game” played every year on or around the holiday.
The first game played against Lakewood in 1919 was a wash out. 46-0 Lakewood triumphed. An Asbury Park Press account of the game from November 17, 1919 titled “Lakewood Eleven Drubs Toms River” shared by a Facebook group dedicated to the Thanksgiving Game told the story:
“The Lakewood high school football team won its first game of the season Saturday by defeating Toms River high school in a game played here, acore 46-0. Lakewood plowed thru Toms River and scored touchdowns almost at will during the first half, a sub team taking the field against the county seat team during the latter part of the game. Toms River high school has just taken up football this season and much credit is due their school for the showing made. They have played but three games. Woerner, Meyers and McCallion, Lakewood’s backs, were sent thru for consistent gains and the playing of “Jimmy” Meyers was a feature. He registered three touchdowns, one after a 60-yard run in the second period. Lakewood scored four touchdowns by working a forward pass.”
In 1920, there was no game. The next couple of games were more victories for Lakewood. That all changed with a 6-0 victory in 1924 by Toms River High School (South). According to Toms River High School South legend and historian. P. David Correll, this game was the most intense Thanksgiving gameof them all.
The longest winning streak for our football team was 10 in a row between 1986 and 1995. The largest margin of victory stands at 60 points from the 1987 game in which South put up a 60-0 win.
Last year’s game went to High School South with a sizable victory of 59-36.
When previous games have been played at Detwiler Stadium, High School South has not been timid to show school spirit. Past and present band members would come together and play with the band front and regular band. Some of the mascots have also received special attention including Indian 40 and 41 and Princess 40 and 41 during game-time ceremonies.
When asked about how attendance was in games past, Correll responded, “Well, back in the old days it used to be 6,000, 7,000...But more recently the attendance has really fallen off and its really been light.”
South and Lakewood have teamed up to manage the event for this year. Though, Lakewood will be handling most of the important parts. Lakewood is expecting 4,500 attendees for the big game. The tickets for the game will be available for pre-sale as well as at the front gate. Prices are $4 for adults and $2 for students and seniors.
Commemorative keepsakes and shirts celebrating the 100th game will be available at the game.
