Philadelphia, PA, November 28, 2025
Central High School Lancers achieved a thrilling 22–14 victory over Northeast High School Vikings on Thanksgiving Day. The contest, marked by intense competition and a late-game interception for a touchdown, showcased the longstanding rivalry between the two schools. Despite a dip in attendance and the absence of traditional celebrations, the community rallied around the event, reflecting the enduring spirit of high school football in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, PA – Central High School Triumphs Over Northeast in Thanksgiving Football Rivalry
Philadelphia’s Central High School Lancers secured a 22–14 victory over the Northeast High School Vikings on Thanksgiving Day, continuing their longstanding football rivalry.
Game Highlights
The match, held at Northeast’s Charles Martin Memorial Stadium, was closely contested. Central took an early lead, but Northeast responded, tying the game at 14–14 in the fourth quarter. The decisive moment came when Central’s defense intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, sealing the win. The game was marked by several penalties and turnovers, reflecting the intense competition between the two teams. Both schools featured a number of freshmen players, indicating a promising future for the rivalry. Despite the spirited play, the stands were not filled to capacity, and there were limited concessions and merchandise available, suggesting a decline in attendance compared to previous years.
Historical Context
The Central-Northeast football rivalry dates back to 1892, making it one of the oldest public high school rivalries in the United States. The teams have met annually on Thanksgiving since 1896, with the exception of 1918 during World War I and 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tradition is symbolized by the Wooden Horse trophy, a mahogany piece carved in 1947 by Northeast’s Spurgeon Smith. This year, the trophy was notably absent from the post-game celebrations to prevent further damage, as its tail had broken off during last year’s festivities.
Community and Alumni Engagement
Despite challenges such as declining attendance and the absence of traditional pre-game events like the parade, the rivalry continues to hold significant value for alumni and the community. Central High School’s alumni association organized a Thanksgiving breakfast rally before the game, fostering school spirit and camaraderie among former students and supporters.
Looking Ahead
While the rivalry faces challenges, including reduced attendance and the aging Wooden Horse trophy, both schools remain committed to preserving this cherished tradition. The annual Thanksgiving game continues to be a highlight for students, alumni, and the Philadelphia community, embodying the enduring spirit of high school football.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the Central vs. Northeast Thanksgiving football game?
The final score was Central High School 22, Northeast High School 14.
When did the Central-Northeast football rivalry begin?
The rivalry dates back to 1892, making it one of the oldest public high school rivalries in the United States.
What is the Wooden Horse trophy?
The Wooden Horse is a mahogany trophy carved in 1947 by Northeast’s Spurgeon Smith, symbolizing the rivalry between the two schools.
How did the community engage with the rivalry this year?
Central High School’s alumni association organized a Thanksgiving breakfast rally before the game, fostering school spirit and camaraderie among former students and supporters.
What challenges does the rivalry face?
The rivalry faces challenges such as declining attendance and the aging Wooden Horse trophy, which had its tail broken off during last year’s festivities.
Key Features of the Central vs. Northeast Thanksgiving Football Rivalry
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rivalry Start Date | 1892 |
| Annual Thanksgiving Game Since | 1896 |
| Notable Trophy | Wooden Horse Trophy, carved in 1947 |
| Recent Game Score | Central High School 22, Northeast High School 14 |
| Community Engagement | Thanksgiving breakfast rally organized by Central High School’s alumni association |
| Challenges Faced | Declining attendance and aging Wooden Horse trophy |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
