
AKRON, Ohio - For the second year in a row there was high school football on Thanksgiving Day in the city of Akron.
About 90 Summit County high school seniors played in the Thanks4Giving All-Star Game. High School football on Thanksgiving Day has a long history in the city of Akron, from 1942 to 1990 the Akron City Series Championship Game was played on Thanksgiving at the Rubber Bowl. Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic was even at the game for the opening coin toss. This year, the money made at the game were donated to the Akron-Canton Foodbank as well as the Ronald McDonald House. One of the most memorable moments of the game was when the East Team had Tallmadge offensive lineman John Cipa back deep to receive a kick-off. Read and see the Video converage @ newsnet5.com
If you have any issues listening the audio, click here for the direct Thanks4Giving Game UStream audio feed.
Jay Brophy Sr. and Jay Brophy Jr. were in the studio to talk about the charity classic football game being held at St. Vincent/St Mary high school on Thanksgiving day…Read more about their visit and interview @ 1590 WAKR
In his mind, Tallmadge senior running back Tyrin Williams will never forget the hurt, pain and
disappointment he felt when the Blue Devils lost 34-14 to Aurora in the Division II, Region 5
semifinal game earlier this month.
That game looked to be the last game of Williams’ high school football career. And at 5-
foot7, 180-pounds, Williams admitted that not very many colleges are recruiting him, despite his
impressive numbers- more than 1,400 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns.
But that’s why the Thanks4Giving Football All-Star Game means so much not only for
Williams, but for so many others in the community.
``After we lost to Aurora, the hardest part was knowing that I played my last game,’’ said
Williams, who will play for the East squad, coached by longtime Ellet head coach Joe Yost.
``Now, I’m just thankful that I’m getting another chance to play one more game and show
recruiters what I can do because I want to play in college.’’
At the same time, Williams said he understands that the game isn’t just about giving him an
opportunity to play another game. It’s about what the game REALLY represents.
``I’ve never played an organized game on Thanksgiving so it’s going to be a special day
having my parents, my sister and my other family members and friends there supporting me,’’
Williams said. ``Plus, I know this game is giving back to the community with food donations and
things like that, so it’s going to be a special day.’’
Note: Author and former award-winning Akron Beacon Journal sportswriter David Lee Morgan,
Jr., will be writing small features on selected players leading up to the Thanks4Giving All-Star
Football Game Thanksgiving morning at St. Vincent-St. Mary’s Green Street Stadium/John
Cistone Field and the features will be posted on this website.
Please visit Mr. Morgan’s website at www.davidleemvp.com
Who: High School Seniors from Summit County
What: Best of Summit County High School Football All-Stars
Where: St. Vincent – St. Mary High School Football Stadium, Akron, OH (MAP)
When: Thanksgiving - Thursday November 24, 2011 at 10:30AM
Aside from delivering the best football in Summit County, The Thanks4Giving All-Star Football Game is also designed to:
The Thanks4Giving High School Football All-Star Game is unique because:
In addition: