Years In The Making:

As families across the nation gather to celebrate Thanksgiving with feasts and gratitude, there’s a special tradition that takes center stage in the hearts of the residents of Stonington and Westerly—the annual high school football showdown between the Stonington Bears and the Westerly Bulldogs. This longstanding rivalry has become a cherished part of the community’s Thanksgiving festivities, bringing together friends, families, and alumni for a gridiron battle that transcends generations.

A History Steeped in Tradition:

The roots of the Stonington vs. Westerly Thanksgiving football rivalry run deep, tracing back several decades to a time when high school football was not just a game but a communal spectacle. The first clash between these two teams took place in 1913, and since then, it has evolved into a cherished tradition that unites the towns on this special holiday.

The Battle for Bragging Rights:

Every year, the excitement builds as the towns gear up for the much-anticipated Thanksgiving Day game. Friends and families come together in a sea of school colors, donning the familiar blue and white for Stonington or the red and white for Westerly. The air is thick with anticipation as fans fill the stands, eagerly awaiting the clash of these two football titans.

The rivalry isn’t just about football; it’s about pride, bragging rights, and the sheer joy of competition. As the players take the field, the intensity is palpable—each team fueled by the desire to emerge victorious and claim supremacy over their rival. The atmosphere is electric, with cheers and chants echoing through the stadium, creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

Memorable Moments:

Over the years, the Stonington vs. Westerly Thanksgiving clash has produced a myriad of memorable moments that have etched themselves into the roots of local sports history. From nail-biting last-minute touchdowns to dramatic game-changing plays, these moments have become the stuff of legend, shared and relived by fans year after year.

Community Unity:

Beyond the competition, the Thanksgiving football rivalry serves as a unifying force for the communities of Stonington and Westerly. It’s a time when old friends reunite, families come together, and alumni return to cheer on their alma maters. The game becomes a focal point for community spirit, fostering a sense of pride and camaraderie that extends far beyond the football field.

Being Thankful:

As Thanksgiving approaches, the Stonington Bears and Westerly Bulldogs gear up for another chapter in their storied rivalry. The game is more than a contest of skill and strategy; it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the shared history that binds these two towns together. Win or lose, the Thanksgiving high school football clash is a testament to the enduring power of sports to bring people together and create lasting memories for generations to come.

Watch Online

You can catch all excite in person at Westerly High School or online by tuning into our friend over at 321 Westerly.

Scores & Records Over The Years:

1913- Tied 0-0
1914- Stonington (1) 46-0
1915-1920: No Thanksgiving Game
1921- Westerly (1) Via Forfeit
1922- Westerly (2) 21-6
1923- Stonington (2) 6-0
1924- Tied 6-6
1925- Tied 6-6
1926- Westerly (3) 7-3
1927- Tied 0-0
1928- Stonington (3) 25-0
1929- Stonington (4) 6-0
1930- Westerly (4) 12-0
1931- Westerly (5) 13-0
1932- Stonington (5) 6-0
1933- Stonington (6) 7-0
1934- Westerly (6) 6-0
1935- Tied 0-0
1936- Westerly (7) 8-0
1937- Stonington (7) 2-0
1938- Stonington (8) 7-0
1939- Stonington (9) 13-0
1940- Westerly (8) 7-0
1941- Stonington (10) 21-0
1942- Stonington (11) 44-6
1943- Stonington (12) 13-0
1944- Tied 6-6
1945- Westerly (9) 6-0
1946- Westerly (10) 6-0
1947- Westerly (11) 7-6
1948- Stonington (13) 30-0
1949- Westerly (12) 13-6
1950- Westerly (13) 13-6
1951- Westerly (14) 18-13
1952- Westerly (15) 33-19
1953- Stonington (14) 27-12
1954- Stonington (15) 20-6
1955- Stonington (16) 45-0
1956- Stonington (17) 20-7
1957- Westerly (16) 14-8
1958- Stonington (18) 12-0
1959- Stonington (19) 12-0
1960- Tied 6-6
1961- Stonington (20) 16-6
1962- Westerly (17) 15-12
1963- Stonington (21) 12-0
1964- Stonington (22) 7-0
1965- Westerly (18) 21-8
1966- Westerly (19) 38-6
1967- Westerly (20) 40-6
1968- Stonington (23) 7-0
1969- Stonington (24) 29-26
1970- Stonington (25) 12-7
1971- Westerly (21) 15-13
1972- Westerly (22) 22-0
1973- Westerly (23) 53-8
1974- Westerly (24) 22-14
1975- Westerly (25) 6-3
1976- Westerly (26) 20-0
1977- Westerly (27) 28-8
1978- Westerly (28) 2-0
1979- Westerly (29) 18-6
1980- Westerly (30) 22-19
1981- Westerly (31) 13-12
1982- Stonington (26) 7-0
1983- Westerly (32) 10-0
1984- Stonington (27) 13-8
1985- Westerly (33) 7-0
1986- Stonington (28) 13-0
1987- Westerly (34) 27-0
1988- Tied 21-21
1989- Stonington (29) 22-0
1990- Stonington (30) 35-13
1991- Stonington (31) 25-13
1992- Stonington (32) 7-6
1993- Stonington (33) 21-0
1994- Stonington (34) 7-6
1995- Westerly (35) 10-0
1996- Westerly (36) 47-8
1997- Westerly (37) 29-0
1998- Stonington (35) 7-0
1999- Tied 14-14
2000- Westerly (38) 24-17 OT
2001- Stonington (36) 29-16
2002- Westerly (39) 13-3
2003- Westerly (40) 35-21
2004- Westerly (41) 27-0
2005- Westerly (42) 30-12
2006- Westerly (43) 26-14
2007- Stonington (37) 20-7
2008- Stonington (38) 22-19
2009- Westerly (44) 30-0
2010- Stonington (39) 14-7
2011- Westerly (45) 15-0
2012- Stonington (40) 34-32
2013- Stonington (41) 33-28
2014- Stonington (42) 28-0
2015- Stonington (43) 25-0
2016- Stonington (44) 14-0
2017- Westerly (46) 34-13
2018- Westerly (47) 61-0
2019- Westerly (48) 28-7
2020- No Game (Due to Virus)
2021- Westerly (49) 28-14
2022- Westerly (50) 55-0