March 28, 2024

Townies Bop LaSalle 41-0 - Thanksgiving 2017

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Don't tell these 2017 EP Townies that the game doesn't matter. It's still East Providence High School against rival LaSalle Academy. It is still public vs. private. It is still a holiday classic and at 89 years and running, it is still the oldest rivalry in Rhode Island High School sports and specifically football.

Both EP and LSA are tied with 15 State football Championships to lead the entire state. Cranston East follows with 14 and Hendricken has 13 titles. Hendricken, the winner of the last 7 SuperBowls will play LaSalle in the 2018 SuperBowl next week.

LaSalle may have rested most of their varsity starters today at Pierce Stadium, but that won't deter Townies from savoring the 41-0 shutout win. A win is a win and East Providence looked great from end to end. "Our kids played well and with a lot of heart. I think that today we would be tough to beat for anyone. Hopefully with many returning players, we'll be competitive next year," said Townie head coach Jay Monteiro after the game.

The large crowd loved the action and as always the famous Townie marching band entertained the festive crowd along with cheerleaders and flag corps.

Many alumni were at the game including the Hazard Family with generations of athletes, 70's all-stater Mike Whittet hasn't missed a game since his state champion years, Bobby Good was there and countless other Townie grads.

Becky Rodericks, EP class of 2000 valedictorian now living in Hawaii, was home for the weekend and enjoying the game and seeing old friends.

Sitting on the Townie side of Pierce was Ken Otis, a 1984 East Providence graduate. Otis was wearing an EP cap but a LaSalle shirt. "I'm an EP grad but I have kids that went to LaSalle," said Otis. Then he pointed to the Ram side and said, "I like to say my money is over there but my heart is over here," to smiles from family and nearby fans.

And in the end, the Townies won a football game and were all smiles heading home to family dinners and gatherings. More game details and pictures will be coming soon...

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