RIVALRY | FROM PAGE 1 ories, but adding the fact we are playing at Fenway Park, it really hits it out of the park – literally!” One of the key reasons the Malden-Medford game was selected to play at Fenway this year may be the game is now the oldest continuous high school football rivalry in the United States at 134 games. It formerly trailed only Boston Latin-Boston English, which began in 1887, But Latin and English did not play in the pandemic-restricted 2020 season of Fall 2 in spring of 2021. Malden did play Medford in Fall 2, in May of 2021, thus keeping its streak alive. The game returned to its rightful Thanksgiving morning slot last November of 2021, with Malden taking a 12-10 victory at Macdonald Stadium. The oldest Thanksgiving Day game is Needham vs. Wellesley, which was first played in 1882. They had played every year since then, but in 2020, that changed due to COVID canceling the game. Instead, the game was played in the spring of 2021, and the outcome was Wellesley winning in a 34-0 rout. Malden has won the last six THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 18, 2022 Medford has not fared much Thanksgiving games in a row, including a 12-10 game at Macdonald Stadium in Malden last year. The Golden Tornados hold a 68-56 advantage in the matchup. There have been 10 ties in the ancient series. Malden, led by second-year Head Coach Witche Exilhomme, comes into this year’s game seeking its fourth win of the regular season. After a promising, 3-1 start, Malden (3-6) has been mired in a 5-game loss streak. Injuries have been a constant problem for Malden, none bigger than a season-ending knee injury to senior captain and running back Mak Blaise, who had been among the leaders in Division 3 in both scoring and rushing. His season ended in Game 4 when he had to leave the game against Somerville in the fourth quarter, with Malden leading, 38-6. better in the regular season, coming in at 2-8 overall. Like Malden, Somerville has beaten Greater Boston League rivals Somerville and Chelsea, but after a 47-6 win over Chelsea in October, Medford has dropped three straight games, including two in the post-regular season, 37-6 last week to Wilmington and 42-8 to another Middlesex League team, Burlington. Coach Exilhomme had seen the game as a player in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and as an assistant coach in Fall 2. It was a whole new chapter as head coach in 2021, and he’s looking to keep a streak going in the right direction. Coach Exilhomme said he and his team are excited about this year’s game as it holds special meaning. “Every Thanksgiving game is unique and everyone is special in its own right because, for that year’s seniors, it is their last game,” Coach Exilhomme said. “Fortunately for our seniors this year, they get to play at FenPage 11 way Park.” Suiting up for the last time as Golden Tornados in tomorrow’s game are senior captains Andrew Louis and Kyle Paulding; two other senior captains out for the year are Mak Blaise and Zach Pan. Despite the contingent of seniors, Malden still fi elds a young team overall. Two of the captains are underclassmen: junior split end Gabriel Vargas Cardoso and sophomore linebacker James Hyppolite. Speaking to the youths of the team, Malden is planning on starting a freshman at quarterback for the second straight year on Tuesday. The regular starting QB, sophomore Aidan Brett, is also injured and out for the season. Malden’s favorite receiving targets will be junior slotback Davian McGuffi e, who has fi ve touchdowns this year, and junior 6-5 split end Vargas. Coming out of the Golden Tornados backfield will be sophomore Kevin Exilhomme, who now leads the team in rushing with over 400 yards. Sophomore linebacker James Hyppolite and 350-lb. defensive tackle Vidal Garner have been leaders for Malden’s defense. “It is said every year – throw out the records, it’s Thanksgiving – and it is true this year as well. This is Malden-Medford and it will all be decided on the fi eld on Thanksgiving. It never changes,” Malden eighth-year Athletic Director Charlie Conefrey said. “This year is extra-special because we are playing at the one and only Fenway Park! “We look forward to seeing all the former players and alumni who will come for this game. It is the best day of the season and we want to fi nish with a win for our seniors.” **** Tickets for the special November 22 at Fenway game are available online only through the Red Sox ticket offi ce at the following link: redsox.com/highschoolfootball. All tickets are $20.00 each and General Admission, no reserved seating. Caring for a person with dementia isn’t easy. We can help. For Malden families facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, we offer Life Guidance® memory care. This forwardthinking program is centered around a secure, thoughtfully designed neighborhood where specially trained staff provide highly personalized support. Now leasing private and shared apartments. SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY 781.324.4999 SENIOR LIVING & MEMORY CARE MAPLEWOOD PLACE 295 Broadway | Malden, Massachusetts HolidayMaplewoodPlace.com
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