Central High School secured a 22–14 win over Northeast High School in their 126th Thanksgiving football game, adding to a rivalry regarded by both schools as the nation’s oldest public high school matchup. The game, played Thursday in Philadelphia, remained close into the fourth quarter before Central clinched its first victory over Northeast in more than a decade with a late interception returned for a touchdown. Alumni filled the stands, continuing a tradition that has drawn generations of graduates to the holiday meeting.
The annual game traces its origins to 1896, with the schools first facing each other in 1892. It has paused only twice, once in 1918 during World War I and again in 2020 during the pandemic. Throughout its long history, the rivalry has included games played in snow, rain, and muddy conditions. A historic crowd of more than 15,000 attended the 1929 matchup at the Baker Bowl, and the teams played a scoreless tie in 1971 on a muddy field. These games anchored a longstanding Thanksgiving football presence in Philadelphia, which once featured a full slate of holiday morning contests.
The geographic closeness of the schools in the early years intensified the competition, with Central located at Broad and Green and Northeast at 8th and Lehigh. Their meetings became central events, drawing significant attention from students and the community. In 1986, current Central coach Rich Drayton scored five touchdowns in a 60–3 Central win before a crowd of about 7,000, followed by a confrontation between coaches that required intervention. In 1983, Northeast had delivered a 42-point Thanksgiving victory, contributing to the long-running cycle of competitive responses.
The rivalry is closely associated with a hand-carved wooden horse trophy, created in 1947 by Northeast student Spurgeon Smith using a kitchen paring knife and a block of mahogany donated by Smythe Mahogany Company. The trophy is typically kept inside due to its age and weight. During last year’s post-game celebration, the trophy’s tail broke off after Northeast brought it onto the field at the request of coach Nick Lincoln. Athletic director Phil Gormley later had the tail repaired and added the 2022 score — Northeast 37, Central 21 — before returning it to the school’s case.
Both the game and the trophy now reflect the challenges facing Thanksgiving football in the region. Thanksgiving contests in Southeastern Pennsylvania have declined from 28 games in 2005 to 10 scheduled this year. Factors contributing to this decrease include the state playoff schedule, reduced attendance, competition concerns, and school closures. The Northeast–Central tradition has changed accordingly. The parade of antique cars and convertibles that once traveled along Cottman Avenue ended about 15 years ago after the school district replaced the cinder track with rubber. Attendance, which used to exceed 6,000 fans, now averages between 600 and 800. Stadium decorations no longer appear as they once did.
Alumni participation, however, remains consistent. Former students from both schools continue to attend the game, often using the holiday as an opportunity to reconnect. Northeast hosts a breakfast in the school gym for returning graduates, where past results frequently become a topic of conversation. Central’s community continues to treat the Thanksgiving meeting as the most important game of the season, regardless of record.
Current student engagement has diminished as the schools now draw from across Philadelphia, making travel to Northeast on Thanksgiving morning more difficult. The matchup also followed an extended break for both teams. Central did not qualify for the playoffs, and Northeast exited in the first round, leaving both groups without a game for nearly four weeks. Despite the gap, coaches kept their teams practicing several times a week and scheduled weight-room sessions to prepare for the holiday meeting.
As other Thanksgiving rivalries across the region fade — such as St. Joseph’s Prep vs. La Salle ending in 2006, North Catholic vs. Frankford concluding in 2009 when North closed, and Father Judge vs. Lincoln canceling last year’s matchup — questions continue about how long Northeast and Central can maintain theirs. Alumni and staff have expressed concern but also confidence that the tradition remains valued by those connected to it.
After last year’s damage, the wooden horse trophy stayed off the field this Thanksgiving to prevent further issues. Northeast coach Nick Lincoln has expressed interest in bringing it out again if permitted by school officials. With Central’s 22–14 win now added to the long history of the series, the rivalry continues to hold its place as one of Philadelphia’s longest-running holiday traditions.
