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From Thanksgiving Day classics to century-old battles that have defined communities, the East is home to some of the longest-running high school football rivalries in the country.
These rivalries represent generations of tradition, pride and competition, uniting fans across the state.
But which rivalries are the best?
Going region by region, USA TODAY Sports will take a look at each state and pick out the best high school football rivalry in each state based on that series’ history.
The Southeast's best battles: What are the best high school football rivalries in the Southeast? Our list
Best of the Midwest: Top high school football rivalries in the Midwest
Up next, let's take a closer look at the biggest rivalries in the East.
Series Record: Norwich Free Academy leads 79-71-8 (via NFHS)
This high school football rivalry is one of the oldest in the history books, dating back to 1875, when Ulysses S. Grant was president. Only 16 miles apart from each other, these two schools have developed a tradition that everyone wants to be a part of. Over the years, the rivalry has brought about plenty of rituals and pranks — many of which continue today. Norwich Free Academy won last year's meeting, which marked 150 years of the rivalry.
Honorable Mentions: Ansonia vs. Naugatuck; Shelton vs. Derby; Hillhouse vs. Wilbur Cross
Series Record: Tied 50-49-5 (via SJC football)
This rivalry between these two Catholic schools dates back to 1893, but the teams didn't begin playing regularly until 1928. After the start of the rivalry, the teams met for 51 consecutive years, until Gonzaga took a brief two-year break from the league. Gonzaga won last year's contest 24-21. This year's contest on Nov. 7, will mark the 106th meeting between the two schools.
Honorable Mentions: Dunbar vs. Eastern; DeMatha Catholic vs. Gonzaga; St. John's vs. DeMatha Catholic
Series Record: Unknown
While the rivalry between these two teams has always drawn significance, it has grown in intensity in recent years as both programs have become regular contenders in Delaware's top classifications. The matchup has always been a competitive one, as the game often carries playoff implications. The two will face off on Oct. 23.
Honorable Mentions: Middletown vs. Appoquinimink; Seaford vs. Laurel; Salesianum vs. St. Mark's
Series Record: Cony leads 79-58-10 (via Great American Rivalry)
These two teams face off every season in pursuit of the ultimate trophy — the Boot. Dating back to 1892, this is the oldest rivalry in Maine. Cony has been dominant throughout the past 15 years and leads the series 79-58-10. The Rams have won the last seven straight meetings, although last year's matchup was one of the best to date. The team's came in with the best combined record in the history of the rivalry at 13-1.
Honorable Mentions: Thornton Academy vs. Biddeford; Lewiston vs. Edward Little; Waterville vs. Lawrence
Series Record: Unknown
This City-Poly matchup is one of high school football's longest-standing rivalries and is the oldest in Maryland, dating back to 1889. Last year was one of the more notable games, as Poly ended City's 13-game win streak and the two teams combined for the highest score in the history of the rivalry.
Honorable Mentions: Wise vs. Flowers; Gilman vs. McDonogh; Calvert Hall vs. Loyola Blakefield
Series Record: Wellesley leads 67-62-9 (via Wellesley)
While Massachusetts is home to numerous high school football rivalries that date back over a hundred years, the Wellesley vs. Needham Thanksgiving Day game is the oldest. Dating back to 1882, this rivalry began when East Needham and West Needham split up due to a controversy, with West Needham becoming Wellesley. Since then, the matchup has been extremely competitive; although, Wellesley has the edge. This year's Thanksgiving game will mark the 139th meeting between the Rockets and Raiders.
Honorable Mentions: Leominster vs. Fitchburg; Boston English vs. Boston Latin; Milton Academy vs. Noble and Greenough
Series Record: Unknown
Dating back to 1878, this rivalry is the oldest in private school football. The two schools were founded by members in the Phillips family and have long been known as feeder schools for the Ivy League. Phillips Academy hasn't won the matchup since 2019, although it leads the all-time series.
Honorable Mentions: Pinkerton Academy vs. Londonderry; Salem vs. Windham; Bedford vs. Bishop Guertin
Series Record: Don Bosco leads 43-38-2 (via Bergen Catholic)
These two teams were Thanksgiving rivals from 1958-88, but now face off in the regular season every year — and often twice if both teams reach the playoffs. Don Bosco Prep took the victory last year in the Non-Public A state semifinal, 31-17, responding to its loss to Bergen in the 2024 state championship. The two teams square off this season on Oct. 3.
Honorable Mentions: Neptune vs. Asbury Park; Millville vs. Vineland; Tenafly vs. Dumont
Series Record: Unknown
The matchup between Rome Free Academy and Utica Proctor is one of New York's longstanding traditions. Dating back to 1891, the game has been a major community event, bringing in generations of fans each year. As with many rivalries, this one has its list of traditions and pranks that come each year.
Honorable Mentions: Fordham Prep vs. Xavier; Warwick Valley vs. Goshen; Middletown vs. Port Jervis
Series Record: Pisgah leads 32-28-1 (via Great American Rivalry)
The Pisgah-Tuscola rivalry brings together the only two public high schools in Haywood County for an annual showdown that has become one of North Carolina's premier high school football traditions. Separated by less than 10 miles, the schools compete for the Haywood County Clash trophy and bragging rights. The matchup typically draws around 10,000 fans from all over the county. Pisgah has brought home the trophy the past two seasons.
Honorable Mentions: Independence vs. Butler; A.L. Brown vs. Concord; Richmond Senior vs. Scotland
Series Record: Unknown
This annual Thanksgiving game is one of the most celebrated high school football rivalries in the state of Pennsylvania. Although in different states, these two cities are just 8 miles apart and separated by a bridge that crosses the Delaware River. The rivalry has extended well beyond local recognition; in 1988, it became the first high school football game to be televised nationally on ESPN. Its cultural significance was later put on display in the documentary Tradition: An Easton and Phillipsburg Story, which captured the history and community pride behind the rivalry.
Honorable Mentions: Northeast vs. Central; Mt. Carmel vs. Shamokin; Oil City vs. Franklin
Series Record: Tied 74-74-17 (via RIHSS)
Although these teams are divided by a state line, the schools are just 3 miles apart from each other, making this one of New England's most unique rivalries. The local Rotary Clubs continue a longstanding tradition of hosting a dinner the night before the annual Thanksgiving showdown. This year's matchup carries even more significance, as the teams all-time series is even at 74-74-17.
Honorable Mentions: Bishop Hendricken vs. La Salle Academy; North Kingstown vs. South Kingstown; Portsmouth vs. Middletown
Series Record: Unknown
In Vermont, this rivalry is known as "The Game." The rivalry dates back to 1894, making it one of the oldest high school football rivalries in the country. With the two schools only 10 miles apart from each other, this game is often viewed as a reunion weekend for former players and community members to return back home to their roots.
Honorable Mentions: Rutland vs. Mount St. Joseph; Essex vs. Champlain Valley Union; Hartford vs. Windsor
Series Record: Woodberry leads 62-53-9 (via Woodberry Forest)
The rivalry between Episcopal and Woodberry Forest is a faceoff between two Virginia boarding schools. Dating back to 1901, the series has continued through world wars, financial depressions and numerous other catastrophic events. The highly anticipated game is always played the second weekend in November.
Honorable Mentions: Hampton vs. Phoebus; Maury vs. Granby; Oscar Smith vs. Western Branch
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: High school football's greatest rivalries in the East
Continue reading...
These rivalries represent generations of tradition, pride and competition, uniting fans across the state.
But which rivalries are the best?
Going region by region, USA TODAY Sports will take a look at each state and pick out the best high school football rivalry in each state based on that series’ history.
The Southeast's best battles: What are the best high school football rivalries in the Southeast? Our list
Best of the Midwest: Top high school football rivalries in the Midwest
Up next, let's take a closer look at the biggest rivalries in the East.
Connecticut: Norwich Free Academy vs. New London
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Series Record: Norwich Free Academy leads 79-71-8 (via NFHS)
This high school football rivalry is one of the oldest in the history books, dating back to 1875, when Ulysses S. Grant was president. Only 16 miles apart from each other, these two schools have developed a tradition that everyone wants to be a part of. Over the years, the rivalry has brought about plenty of rituals and pranks — many of which continue today. Norwich Free Academy won last year's meeting, which marked 150 years of the rivalry.
Honorable Mentions: Ansonia vs. Naugatuck; Shelton vs. Derby; Hillhouse vs. Wilbur Cross
District of Columbia: Gonzaga vs. St. John's
Series Record: Tied 50-49-5 (via SJC football)
This rivalry between these two Catholic schools dates back to 1893, but the teams didn't begin playing regularly until 1928. After the start of the rivalry, the teams met for 51 consecutive years, until Gonzaga took a brief two-year break from the league. Gonzaga won last year's contest 24-21. This year's contest on Nov. 7, will mark the 106th meeting between the two schools.
Honorable Mentions: Dunbar vs. Eastern; DeMatha Catholic vs. Gonzaga; St. John's vs. DeMatha Catholic
Delaware: Sussex Central vs. Cape Henlopen
Series Record: Unknown
While the rivalry between these two teams has always drawn significance, it has grown in intensity in recent years as both programs have become regular contenders in Delaware's top classifications. The matchup has always been a competitive one, as the game often carries playoff implications. The two will face off on Oct. 23.
Honorable Mentions: Middletown vs. Appoquinimink; Seaford vs. Laurel; Salesianum vs. St. Mark's
Maine: Cony vs. Gardiner
Series Record: Cony leads 79-58-10 (via Great American Rivalry)
These two teams face off every season in pursuit of the ultimate trophy — the Boot. Dating back to 1892, this is the oldest rivalry in Maine. Cony has been dominant throughout the past 15 years and leads the series 79-58-10. The Rams have won the last seven straight meetings, although last year's matchup was one of the best to date. The team's came in with the best combined record in the history of the rivalry at 13-1.
Honorable Mentions: Thornton Academy vs. Biddeford; Lewiston vs. Edward Little; Waterville vs. Lawrence
Maryland: Baltimore City College vs. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Series Record: Unknown
This City-Poly matchup is one of high school football's longest-standing rivalries and is the oldest in Maryland, dating back to 1889. Last year was one of the more notable games, as Poly ended City's 13-game win streak and the two teams combined for the highest score in the history of the rivalry.
Honorable Mentions: Wise vs. Flowers; Gilman vs. McDonogh; Calvert Hall vs. Loyola Blakefield
Massachusetts: Wellesley vs. Needham
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Series Record: Wellesley leads 67-62-9 (via Wellesley)
While Massachusetts is home to numerous high school football rivalries that date back over a hundred years, the Wellesley vs. Needham Thanksgiving Day game is the oldest. Dating back to 1882, this rivalry began when East Needham and West Needham split up due to a controversy, with West Needham becoming Wellesley. Since then, the matchup has been extremely competitive; although, Wellesley has the edge. This year's Thanksgiving game will mark the 139th meeting between the Rockets and Raiders.
Honorable Mentions: Leominster vs. Fitchburg; Boston English vs. Boston Latin; Milton Academy vs. Noble and Greenough
New Hampshire: Phillips Exeter vs. Phillips Academy(MA)
Series Record: Unknown
Dating back to 1878, this rivalry is the oldest in private school football. The two schools were founded by members in the Phillips family and have long been known as feeder schools for the Ivy League. Phillips Academy hasn't won the matchup since 2019, although it leads the all-time series.
Honorable Mentions: Pinkerton Academy vs. Londonderry; Salem vs. Windham; Bedford vs. Bishop Guertin
New Jersey: Bergen Catholic vs. Don Bosco Prep
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Series Record: Don Bosco leads 43-38-2 (via Bergen Catholic)
These two teams were Thanksgiving rivals from 1958-88, but now face off in the regular season every year — and often twice if both teams reach the playoffs. Don Bosco Prep took the victory last year in the Non-Public A state semifinal, 31-17, responding to its loss to Bergen in the 2024 state championship. The two teams square off this season on Oct. 3.
Honorable Mentions: Neptune vs. Asbury Park; Millville vs. Vineland; Tenafly vs. Dumont
New York: Rome Free Academy vs. Utica Proctor
Series Record: Unknown
The matchup between Rome Free Academy and Utica Proctor is one of New York's longstanding traditions. Dating back to 1891, the game has been a major community event, bringing in generations of fans each year. As with many rivalries, this one has its list of traditions and pranks that come each year.
Honorable Mentions: Fordham Prep vs. Xavier; Warwick Valley vs. Goshen; Middletown vs. Port Jervis
North Carolina: Pisgah vs. Tuscola
Series Record: Pisgah leads 32-28-1 (via Great American Rivalry)
The Pisgah-Tuscola rivalry brings together the only two public high schools in Haywood County for an annual showdown that has become one of North Carolina's premier high school football traditions. Separated by less than 10 miles, the schools compete for the Haywood County Clash trophy and bragging rights. The matchup typically draws around 10,000 fans from all over the county. Pisgah has brought home the trophy the past two seasons.
Honorable Mentions: Independence vs. Butler; A.L. Brown vs. Concord; Richmond Senior vs. Scotland
Pennsylvania: Easton Area vs. Phillipsburg (NJ)
Series Record: Unknown
This annual Thanksgiving game is one of the most celebrated high school football rivalries in the state of Pennsylvania. Although in different states, these two cities are just 8 miles apart and separated by a bridge that crosses the Delaware River. The rivalry has extended well beyond local recognition; in 1988, it became the first high school football game to be televised nationally on ESPN. Its cultural significance was later put on display in the documentary Tradition: An Easton and Phillipsburg Story, which captured the history and community pride behind the rivalry.
Honorable Mentions: Northeast vs. Central; Mt. Carmel vs. Shamokin; Oil City vs. Franklin
Rhode Island: Stonington (CT) vs. Westerly
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Series Record: Tied 74-74-17 (via RIHSS)
Although these teams are divided by a state line, the schools are just 3 miles apart from each other, making this one of New England's most unique rivalries. The local Rotary Clubs continue a longstanding tradition of hosting a dinner the night before the annual Thanksgiving showdown. This year's matchup carries even more significance, as the teams all-time series is even at 74-74-17.
Honorable Mentions: Bishop Hendricken vs. La Salle Academy; North Kingstown vs. South Kingstown; Portsmouth vs. Middletown
Vermont: St. Johnsbury Academy vs. Lyndon Institute
Series Record: Unknown
In Vermont, this rivalry is known as "The Game." The rivalry dates back to 1894, making it one of the oldest high school football rivalries in the country. With the two schools only 10 miles apart from each other, this game is often viewed as a reunion weekend for former players and community members to return back home to their roots.
Honorable Mentions: Rutland vs. Mount St. Joseph; Essex vs. Champlain Valley Union; Hartford vs. Windsor
Virginia: Episcopal vs. Woodberry Forest
Series Record: Woodberry leads 62-53-9 (via Woodberry Forest)
The rivalry between Episcopal and Woodberry Forest is a faceoff between two Virginia boarding schools. Dating back to 1901, the series has continued through world wars, financial depressions and numerous other catastrophic events. The highly anticipated game is always played the second weekend in November.
Honorable Mentions: Hampton vs. Phoebus; Maury vs. Granby; Oscar Smith vs. Western Branch
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: High school football's greatest rivalries in the East
Continue reading...
