No Turkey Day FHS Football

It’s a tradition in most communities, the culmination of a football season, played locally with a traditional rival. In Franklin it’s been Franklin High School versus King Philip for decades and the exceptions in earlier years seem to have involved other nearby rivals. But 2023 looks to be much different.

This year, according to FHS athletic director Karrah Ellis, Fenway Park reached out to her to suggest moving the matchup to the hallowed baseball grounds and, she said, after conferring with Coach Eian Bain, it was a go. From there, it seems, there was a meeting of the minds and KP was similarly disposed to try something new.

So, in what is being pitched by Fenway as a “Double Header,” on Tuesday, Nov. 21, a school night, TechBoston plays Brighton at Fenway at 5 pm followed, nominally, at 7:30 by KP vs Franklin. In fact, according to Fenway’s posted information. The second game will follow the first after about 4o minutes, meaning the start could be somewhat later or perhaps even earlier.

Wednesday also features another  high school “double header” at Fenway. 

As for Turkey Day? There may be a lot of FHS alums from out of town showing up at KP on Thanksgiving looking for a game that isn’t there. It’s an event that has long served as a kind of annual reunion for alums, many of whom may not be available in a Tuesday night or willing to make the trek into Boston.

The cost is also going to be an adjustment for many. While tickets for the game last year were $10 ($7 for students and seniors if purchased in advance), this year’s tickets are a flat $20 to which must be added transit time and some combination of T fares, parking, and fuel.

But, Fenway is Fenway, and it's certainly going to be a great photo op, no matter who wins and a memorable event for those choosing to attend.