In a thrilling traditional Thanksgiving Day rivalry game, the Needham Rockets edged out the Wellesley Raiders, securing a 20-13 victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Strong defensive performances, explosive plays, and a fourth-quarter surge defined this classic matchup between two storied programs. This was the 137th time these two teams faced off on Thanksgiving day, marking this as the longest public high school rivalry. The two teams began this annual tradition in 1882.
The first quarter left both teams scoreless, causing things to heat up for both teams, who were hungry to win, in the second quarter.
The Rockets went onto carry a narrow 6-0 lead into halftime, courtesy of a second-quarter touchdown pass from #4 to Brandt Bickford (#1). A missed opportunities on special teams, including a missed PAT and a late field goal attempt, kept Wellesley within striking distance before halftime.
The two teams returned to the field energized, seeking to make stuff another win in their record this late in the season. Wellesley kicked off to start the second half, but Needham quickly established dominance. The Rockets advanced deep into Wellesley territory early in the quarter, but a turnover on downs gave the Raiders new life.
The stalemate didn’t last long. Late in the quarter, Needham capitalized on its momentum, punching in a rushing touchdown to extend the lead to 12-0. A two-point conversion attempt fell short, but the Rockets' defense held strong, forcing Wellesley to punt as the quarter ended.
The game heated up in the final quarter. With just under three minutes remaining, Wellesley quarterback Dylan Morris (#4) connected on a 10-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 12-6. However, the Raiders missed the PAT, leaving them trailing by six.
On the ensuing drive, Needham’s Aidan Williams (#5) delivered the game’s most electrifying play—a 60-yard rushing touchdown that widened the Rockets’ lead to 20-6 after a successful two-point conversion correction.
Wellesley refused to go down quietly. With under a minute left, the Raiders found the end zone again on a rushing touchdown, followed by a successful PAT to bring the score to 20-13. Despite their late surge, Wellesley’s comeback bid fell short as time expired.
The Needham Rockets showcased balanced play on both sides of the ball, highlighted by key turnovers, a stifling defense, and explosive scoring plays. The Wellesley Raiders, though valiant in their efforts, struggled to sustain drives early on, ultimately unable to overcome the early deficit.
As the dust settled on this year’s Thanksgiving rivalry, the Rockets emerged victorious, continuing the tradition of hard-fought battles between these two teams. The final score: Needham 20, Wellesley 13.
The Rockets are set to take on Xaverian Brothers tonight, Thursday, December 5 at 5:30 at Gillette Stadium for the 2024 MIAA Division 1 Football State Championship.
