This Friday night’s football game between Holyoke High School and Chicopee High School won’t come with a side of Thanksgiving turkey, but the match-up between the Knights (1-0) and the Pacers (0-1) at Szot Park promises to keep the rivalry alive in regular-season play. The game will be played on Friday, September 15, at 7:00 PM. 

Holyoke’s new defense looks to stop Chicopee’s passing offense after a great defensive game against Putnam. Chicopee hopes to bounce back after a crushing loss against Newington High, CT (42-14). 

“I’m a little bummed out that we can’t play them on Thanksgiving anymore,” said Captain of the Knights, Owen Lavelle ’18. “But moving the date of the Holyoke vs Chicopee game will take away from the rivalry.”

Lavelle hopes to come out on top against Chicopee after last year’s crushing Thanksgiving-day loss of 40-7.

Holyoke High Head Coach Joe Dutsar is excited for the team to continue playing Chicopee, and build on the Knight’s game plan.

“Many alumni have expressed their opinion about this game being moved from Thanksgiving. Let’s just say they really want a win this weekend. Their message has been loud and clear,” said Coach Dutsar. “As far as our defense is concerned, we need to play lights out to the ball and to tackle very well because they like to get the ball to their speed guys and make you miss.”

Coach Dutsar has a lot of faith in the Knights squad.

“I am looking forward to seeing our team play strong in all three facets of the game, get to the fourth quarter with the lead, rely on our mental toughness and let our physical conditioning take us to the ultimate goal of the game – victory over Chicopee,” he said.

If you can’t make it to Szot Park on Friday, follow the Herald’s Sports’ Page @hhsheraldsports on Twitter for game updates. Go Knights!