The most anticipated game of the year, the Thanksgiving game between Steinert High School and Hamilton West High School, was back at our field for its 64th year. The annual Thanksgiving game is always a great way to bring the community together, but this year was a very special one because of the past few years.Although it was played on our field in 2020, only parents of the players could attend due to the ongoing pandemic. With more than a thousand people in attendance, you could feel the joy of everyone whether in the bleachers or around the fence. Before the game even started, all of Steinert’s football players, marching unit, and cheerleading seniors were celebrated, which got everyone even more excited for the game. Even though there is the rivalry between Steinert and West, the sense of belonging in the community was more prominent in the air. With such a great feeling rooting them on, the Spartans were went on to a hard fought 7-0 victory.

The Spartans played great defense and scored their only touchdown of the game during the second quarter. The winning touchdown was thrown by quarterback Braeden Petro and was caught by tight end Danny Maher. Maher was awarded the game’s MVP.

For this year’s seniors, it was their last Steinert football game ever. Captain Colin James said how the team’s defense was their anchor throughout the season and “to win the game and to end it on the goal line on defense, it couldn’t have been a better way to end it and the season we had.” He also noted how all the hard work they endured for the past four years was all worth it in the end.

Throughout the game, our band gave amazing performances to help keep spirits high. Our cheerleaders got the crowd riled up and gave into the exuberance of the day. During halftime, West’s marching band gave an outstanding performance that kept everyone entertained.

Throughout the game and also during halftime, the moms of Steinert football’s Booster Club were working hard to make sure the tons of people got their food and refreshments. The annual Thanksgiving game is always a great way to unite the people of Hamilton no matter if it’s returning alumni, current high school students or future ones. It is wonderful to see both the Steinert and Hamilton West School communities come together for the game, bringing the longtime tradition back to normal. Let’s hope that the tradition will remain the same next year, including another Steinert victory!