105 years of football: Holyoke/Chicopee

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Thanksgiving is known for turkey, family and stuffing, but it wouldn't be complete in Massachusetts without a little pig skin.  

Holyoke and Chicopee are playing for the 95th time tomorrow.  A game that brings different generations together every year and then divides them for 2 hours.  

"Massachusetts Thanksgiving football is special.  We're the only state that has it to the degree that we do", says Holyoke football coach Bob Lastowski.

13 games in Western Massachusetts on Turkey Day.  The oldest rivalry is Mahar and Athol.  They started playing back in 1894.  Holyoke and  Chicopee's rivalry dates back to 1908.

"This is the biggest game of our season.  It's been going on 104 years, it's like the biggest tradition in Holyoke", says Holyoke senior Tyree Dennis.

At least the longest running.  The Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade didn't start until 1951.  

Holyoke does lead the all-time series 47-37, with 10 ties.  

"Sophomore year we lost in a heartbreak in overtime, Junior year we won by a point on a field goal and this year should be a pretty good game", says Chicopee running back and linebacker Michael Slaughter.  


Neither Chicopee nor Holyoke is in the playoff mix this season, but with a lifetime of bragging rights on the line this game is their Super Bowl.


"You've got families coming out Thanksgiving day knowing that you can come out with a big win and knowing you can go home and eat that nice Thanksgiving dinner", says Chicopee linebacker and offensive lineman Adrian Cardona.  


"My father used to coach in Holyoke and watching these games over the years and finally being able to be a part of it is a heart warmer", says Chicopee quarterback and safety Jovan Jackson.

This game isn't just for the players.  It's for former players, alumni and just about everyone is these cities.   

"Just this morning I was asked by four separate people at the grocery store and the bakery how the game is going to go", says Lastowski.  

"There's always talk about it.  There's old timers that come up to me all the time.  See them in the street or the Cumberland Farms whatever it might be - good luck that Holyoke game", says Chicopee football head coach Alex Efstratios.  

Kickoff is Thursday at 10:30am at Holyoke High School.