Medford and Malden to renew Thanksgiving Day rivalry

It’s a Thanksgiving Day football rivalry like no other.

And when they take the field for game 138 on Thursday, the Medford Mustangs and the Malden Golden Tornadoes will write yet another chapter in the annals of football history.

The Medford-Malden series is one of the oldest continuous high school football rivalries in the country, dating back to 1889. And it carries enough twists and turns in its history for everyone to sink their teeth into.

“It’s pretty special to be part of this great rivalry,” said Medford coach John Curley. “Most teams in Massachusetts have a tradition, but this is very rich for both cities.”

Although the past four decades have yielded few championship-caliber teams, the Thanksgiving showdown remains the focal point of the high school football season in both cities.

Winners of the last two Turkey Day battles, including a 34-14 victory last season, Medford (5-5) appears to be carrying plenty of momentum. Malden (3-7) maintains the all-time series lead at 69-58-10.

Despite the ups and downs both programs have endured, a win for either club would give them bragging rights in this battle for the ages.

“The records don’t mean anything anymore,” said Curley.

Last season, Medford’s Justin Marino pulled out all the stops. The Mustang senior quarterback scored four touchdowns in a 34-14 win. It marked Medford’s second consecutive Turkey Day victory since 2000-01, while also clinching its first Greater Boston League championship since 1985.

Winners of their last four, the Mustangs have steadied the ship after a turbulent 1-5 start. The offense has posted 175 points in 10 games, including a season-best 58-point last weekend in a 58-34 victory over Arlington Catholic. The defense continues to be a work in progress surrendering 298 points over that stretch, including a season-worst 43 points to Revere, Sept. 25.

“We got off to a rocky start in August, trying to get things situated,” said Curley. “It felt like we didn’t really get going until the end of October. I love how they just kept on climbing the ladder and understanding that if you get knocked down, just keep moving forward and things will happen.

“Now they have a chance to go on a five-game winning streak and a Thanksgiving Day trophy three years in a row, which would be a first since 1982,” he added. “It’s quite an accomplishment to see where they were in August, and what they can accomplish now speaks a lot of about their character and how they treat this game of football.”

Fresh off a 28-26 win over Lexington, Malden enters the game searching for its first road victory. The Golden Tornadoes have produced 214 points over 10 games, while matching their opponents with 298 points against.

“They have a very good running back,” said Curley. “He doesn’t go down on the first hit. He has a lot of yards after contact. I think they’re a very tough GBL team, just like us. They’re a very well-coached team and will come ready to play.”

According to Curley, the secret to success this year will be in the details.

“We just need to play like we’ve been doing the last four games, going back to basics,” said Curley. “Go ground and pound with our run game, and play smashmouth football on defense. If we stay with that it will be a good day for us. But if it’s a tough game, we’re going to have to be prepared to play all four quarters.”

A Somerville High product, Curley witnessed the Malden/Medford rivalry first-hand in 1998, watching his cousin, Michael Vecchia play a key role for the Mustangs.

“My cousin scored a touchdown and I was there,” said Curley. “It was actually a very cool feeling being with my father and uncle watching him score that touchdown from the corner of the end zone.

“That’s why I think it means a lot more to me than most people who have had this job,” he added. “I’m not from Medford, but having family play for this team, playing for the colors, it’s a big honor to be a part of this game.”

After winning seven straight games in 2000, Medford finally took command of the series lead for the first time since 1931.

The Blue and White also posted an impressive 34-6 victory against their archrivals in 2001, giving then-coach Al Pare reason for optimism. A pair of back-to-back shutouts by Malden in 2002 and 2003 tied the all-time series at 53-53-10.

Since that time, Malden has been on a roll reeling off 16 of its last 21 Turkey Day encounters. Medford has spoiled party as of late with its last two wins.

And it’s a rivalry that sticks with you.

Former Medford city clerk Ed Finn still hears it from his Malden rivals decades later. Malden native and Super Bowl Champion Breno Giacomini still has photos of his Thanksgiving Day victory over Medford prominently on display on the walls of his home.

It’s a lasting legacy like this that makes this game all the more memorable.

“Don’t get me wrong, I loved playing for Somerville, but there was no tradition like it was here,” said Curley. “I come over here and I’m like a kid in a candy store, because I’m so old-school. We sing the fight song before every game and every practice. We dance on our emblem and sing the fight song after every win. I love how this city has that all over the place.”