Highlander Football headed to Fenway for Turkey Day finale

Somerville High School’s varsity football team is taking its Thanksgiving rivalry to one of Boston’s most iconic stages. The Highlanders will face Cambridge Rindge & Latin at historic Fenway Park on Tuesday, November 24, at 5 p.m. as part of a special slate of Massachusetts high school football games at the venerable ol’ ballpark. (Tickets)

This marks the team’s first return to Fenway since way back in December of 1914, when SHS defeated DePaul Academy (Illinois) 7–0. The team was led by Erling Eugene “Dinger” Doane, who played for the Highlanders from 1912 to 1914 before continuing his career at Tufts University and professionally in the newly-founded NFL from 1920 to 1927.

This year’s matchup continues a longtime Thanksgiving-week tradition between the two neighboring communities – and gives Somerville players and fans the opportunity to experience a high school football game like never before.

The Highlanders’ Thanksgiving Day rivalry with Cambridge Rindge & Latin is a longstanding tradition, while memorable matchups with other local opponents—including Arlington High School—have helped shape the program’s rich history. Following a 38–20 Somerville victory over Cambridge in 2025, the Highlanders will once again take the field ready to compete for a Turkey Day win – this time under the lights at Fenway.

The team has experienced memorable games and seasons throughout its storied history. One of the most celebrated seasons came in 1977, when the Highlanders finished the regular season with a perfect 10–0 record. Their remarkable run ended in a hard-fought game against fellow undefeated Arlington, with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

Over the years, Somerville has also produced standout players who have taken their talents to the next level. Gosder Cherilus, a Somerville standout and All-American, went on to play at Boston College before becoming the 17th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and enjoying an eight-year professional career. Don Allard, a former Somerville quarterback, went on to play professionally in the AFL for the New York Titans and Boston Patriots in the early 1960s.

Today, the Highlanders continue that proud tradition at their home field Dilboy Stadium, where generations of Somerville athletes have taken the field, built lasting memories, and represented their community with pride. Only this year, the Somerville faithful will head to the Fens to cap their 2026 campaign in style.