Westfield Hosts Plainfield for Annual Thanksgiving Day Game

Keeping with tradition, the Blue Devils will face Plainfield at Kehler Stadium on Thanksgiving Day at 11 a.m. 

The two football teams have met on Thanksgiving Day since 1944, but the rivalry between the them goes back to the 1900’s, according to Bruce Johnson, a Westfield sports historian.

Thursday’s game will be the 109th game between the two teams, according to Johnson.

"Thanksgiving games are special.  Many schools don’t play anymore on Thanksgiving so it makes our game even more special," Head Coach Jim DeSarno said.  "What makes it so special is that you get so many alumni for both towns back for the game.  So the game takes on a life of its own." 

USA Today announced a matchup between Westfield High School and Plainfield High School as a contender for their second annual title of Best High School Football Rivalry.

Each state has five high school football rivalries and only one team from each state will win and advance to one of eight regionals. So far, the rivalry has received the most votes in the state for Round 1. Voting for Round 2 will begin in four days. To vote, click here. 

DeSarno added that the records do not matter when it comes to the Thanksgiving Day game, but it is a chance for the seniors to hit the field one last time. 

"It’s their last chance to put on the uniform and you get to see how important it is for them to finish their careers with a win," DeSarno said.

The winners of the eight USA Today regionals, plus two wildcards will advance to a final round of 10 teams. 

USA Today’s “Best of” series began in 2012 with a "Best Rivalry" competition between Brookfield vs. Marceline in Missouri. 

Winners will receive $5,000 split in half by the two teams. For more information visit the contest page at USA Today.