The annual Thanksgiving Day football game between Wellesley and Needham is the oldest high school football rivalry in the United States. Lesser known is the annual "Powder Puff Classic" football game played on Thanksgiving eve, between the ladies of the Wellesley and Needham Senior High class. For the last nine years, members of the Wellesley Police Department have coached the Wellesley High Senior Women. Tim Barros, Scott Showstead, and Jeff Renzella coach the team after school for several weeks prior to the big game. All three officers are graduates of Wellesley High School, and all three played on the Wellesley High School football team.
The 2009 game was played at Needham High School. A large crowd of spectators from both towns turned out to cheer the women on. Offensive coaches Jeff Renzella and Tim Barros tried to keep Needham guessing as they mixed the passing and running game, while Scott Showstead ran things defensively. At the end of the first half, Wellesley was on top, 8 to 7. However, Needham came back strong, eventually winning the game 20 to 8.
For many more photos of the game, please check WellesleyPDPhoto.com or CLICK HERE.
The game also drew the attention of local media outlets. Click here for a link to the Wellesley Townsman's coverage of the event.
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