Now the 'Centerpiece' of Thanksgiving, Dedham Seniors Set to Feast on Rivals

It's that time of year again, not just for the Marauder football players and athletes, but for the entire Dedham community that stirs strong ties to the 374-year old town.

"There is so much tradition that so many people here are proud of and the Thanksgiving game just brings everyone together to celebrate it," said 2006 Dedham High alum and current Dedham resident Bill Richman.

It's not just about participating for some players, but beating their long-time rivals is tops on their laundry list.

"Beating Norwood is something that's huge for us," said Marauder senior captain Brian Carilli. "We want to carry on the long-standing tradition because it's so important to so many people in this town."

Although Norwood has seen the better end of the scoreboard in recent years on Thanksgiving, Dedham took the coveted title last year and hopes to emulate the success of creating an everlasting memory.

"The win last year was incredible and is something I'll remember for the rest of my life," Carilli said.

"In the last 15 or so years, we've only won two games, and last year was a big step in the right direction so hopefully we can continue that," said senior captain Brian Coakley.

A Marauder win this Thursday will mark consecutive Frank Wall/Sal Toti Memorial Trophies for the first time in more than 20 years.

"To be able to hoist that trophy really adds extra incentive for the kids," said Marauder head coach Keith Comeau. "To be able to walk off the field with their heads high and a lot of pride and being from Dedham and beating the guys from Norwood is what it comes down to."

And that's what it's always come down to, from as far back as these seniors can remember.

"I remember being a little kid and coming to the Thanksgiving games and looking up to all these kids as role models," said Carilli. "I'm one of those guys now and it's awesome to be in that situation of being a 'centerpiece' of Thanksgiving in our town."

"It's been a tradition of my family to come to the Thanksgiving game ever since I can remember, said Coakley. "It's just nice now to be that guy that everyone looks up to."

As for senior quarterback Dan O'Connor, he said Thanksgiving is a time for "having a big game."

"I thought I personally had my best game last year on Thanksgiving and so did a lot of the guys," O'Connor said. "We all know that we have to bring our 'A game' and I think we will once again." O'Connor led the Marauders to victory with his 251 yards through the air and wants to finish his career with another win.

"It's going to be emotional but I just want to go out there with a win and end it right," O'Connor said.

"We just want to tear it up and get the win," said Carilli. "We're going to go out there with guns blazing and end it with a bang."