Rival football teams hold food drive

LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) - They're bitter rivals, but just days before the big game they're working together.

The Longmeadow and East Longmeadow football teams set aside their differences to hold a food drive for the Open Pantry.

“We're just trying to, again it's for a good cause, it's good to come out here and see new people,” said East Longmeadow football player Tommy Kaye.

“We're all here for the same reason so today we all just come together to help.  Thanksgiving Day, that's a different story,” said Longmeadow football captain Austin Sierra

On Thanksgiving Day these two teams will be tossing the football but on Saturday they were tossing the donations.

Whoever wins the game Thursday will claim the Selectmen's Cup but more importantly will be able to claim the glory.

“The game itself is very intense, the rivalry is intense so to get the two teams together on a day like this for people less fortunate is a great, great thing,” Longmeadow Selectman Paul Santaniello.

It's fitting that food be raised for Thanksgiving, a day of eating and giving thanks in a year where more are in need.

“I think that everyone's been giving a little bit more and thinking of their neighbors and not exclusively of themselves,” said Longmeadow Big Y Store Director Bob McGoldrick.

On Thanksgiving though, like the turkey, the rivalry will heat up.

East Longmeadow will have the home field advantage this year, kickoff is at 10 a.m.