By ALEX SPONSELLER

Although Thanksgiving football is one of the most exciting traditions on the sports calendar, it is also a bittersweet time as seniors play their final high school games ever.
Cranston East and West are set to play their game on Wednesday night after deciding to move the game up to avoid Thursday’s storm. The senior Bolts and Falcons are excited to battle for another year, but also reflected on their final days as high school football players.
“Thanksgiving is my favorite game of the season, it’s probably the most emotional game of the season, especially now as a senior,” said West’s Kelan Cornell.
“It’s really emotional, very emotional, I wish we went further but I did what I could for my high school,” said East’s Saqari Monroe.
“I’m really excited, a little sad but mostly excited. “(I’ll remember) the team chemistry and the bonding we had off the field,” added East’s DionAndre Brown.
Many players, especially in Cranston between CLCF and Edgewood, have been together since their youth days.
“We’ve been together since we were little, a lot of us started as freshmen and moved up together to varsity. We’ve continued to grow and it’s been special. It’s become a family and a brotherhood,” said West’s Adrian Samayoa.
As the seniors get set to move on, they are also hoping to set an example for the younger kids that will be stepping in next fall and beyond. The Bolts were excited to enjoy their first multi-win season since 2018.
“It’s been a tough few years, but we’re trying to set the foundation for them and show them that we can win, we’re trying to motivate them. (Winning two games) is important for them and it’s important to bring more kids in next year. I’m going to miss my teammates and the practices,” said East’s Xavier Grundy.

Of course, the teams also hope to earn some bragging right to take with them.

"They’re a solid team, they’ve got some guys up front and a big back. We’ve got to prepare like we do every week, this is the Super Bowl for us," said West's Thomas Tierney.
Down the road, Pilgrim and Toll Gate will be competing for another Turkey Day clash on Thursday.
Pilgrim had championship aspirations in Division III but was bounced in the semifinals. The seniors look forward to having a chance to get in the win column one last time.
“It’s always a big game for us, it’s different this year as seniors. It’s important because we want some closure after the way things ended,” said Jacob Soulliere.
It will also mark the team’s final game at Morry Field.
“We’re going to open up the playbook and have some fun. The biggest thing is that this is our last game on the Morry. This is our home, we’ve grown to love it and I’m glad that I don’t have to play without it,” said Pilgrim’s Hunter Schobel.
Toll Gate’s seniors are looking to snap their losing streak, but are more focused on their last ride together.
“This is everything we’ve worked for and this is important for us especially, to have one more chance to leave it out on the field one last time. It’s emotional, you put so much time into it but so much good comes from it. It’s definitely going to be emotional looking back on those memories,” said Toll Gate’s Jack Colvin.
Toll Gate senior John Ricci looks forward to the future, but will always appreciate the past with this core.
“We’ve been through a lot together, coaching changes, losses, some great wins. Well remember a lot and I hope we stay in touch,” Ricci said.