Attleboro Falls to North Attleboro on Thanksgiving Day

The fans at Tozier-Cassidy Field were in raptures as their beloved Attleboro High School football team marched down the field on the opening drive in Thanksgiving Day game against rival North Attleboro. Implementing a new quick passing game, the Bombardiers took a very impressive 7-0 lead in the classic game.

Unfortunately, for the blue-clad fans packed into the stands hoping for an upset, there was not much else to be thankful for on the field.

The Rocketeers stormed to a 38-14 win in the 92nd installment of the holiday series. North Attleboro scored on its first six possessions and Attleboro did not score again until its final drive late in the fourth quarter. 

Junior quarterback Tim Walsh completed 7 of his 10 passes on the opening drive of the game, including five to junior wide receiver Tom Burns as the Bombardiers marched 76 yards in 13 plays. Walsh capped the drive with a 1-yard keeper on fourth and goal.

Attleboro had an opportunity to stop North on its first possession, but the Rocketeers converted a 4th and 7 at the AHS 31. Holding a 7-6 lead, Walsh was intercepted by Balfour Defensive Player of the Game Matt Hardy, which North turned into another touchdown.

That proved to be the turning point and North Attleboro rode the momentum into a dominating 26-7 halftime lead.

Following the game, Attleboro head coach Kevin Deschenes said he was disappointed his team was not able to make more plays against the Rocketeers defense.

"We just couldn't make enough of the transition plays on third down," Deschenes said. "I think the big thing was that they made some plays when they needed to and they're a good, senior team."

The Bombardiers got a second touchdown with just 1:31 remaining in the game. Walsh hooked up with Brandon Clark for a 40-yard touchdown down the left sideline. 

Ryan Perron was named the Offensive Player of the Game. The North Attleboro quarterback threw for three touchdowns and ran for another to spark the Rocketeers' offensive explosion.

There are plenty of underclassmen on the Attleboro roster, so this season provided much-needed experience and a building block for the program. Still, Deschenes emphasized that Thanksgiving Day football is all about the seniors.

"The juniors got a full season under their belts," he said. "It is about the seniors too and you always want to send them off on a good note. That first series we looked real good, but after that … we just need to keep rebuilding."