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Recognizing and honoring the long-standing tradition of the Ss. Neumann Goretti vs Southern Thanksgiving Day game which has been a Thanksgiving Day staple in South Philadelphia for over 80 years.
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WHEREAS, The Ss. John Neumann & Maria Goretti Catholic High School vs South Philadelphia High School Thanksgiving Game has always had three major points of pride: family, food, and high school football; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphians have always discussed with pride the traditional rivalry games that take place early in the day on this wonderful American holiday; and
WHEREAS, Around the dinner tables later in the day, people have, for generations, recapped the rivalry and have share a moment or two from their own playing days; and
WHEREAS, In 1934, with the country digging out of the Great Depression, and prior to the start of World War II, South Philadelphians ventured out to watch the first Thanksgiving Day meeting between then Southeast Catholic vs South Philadelphia High School, more commonly known as “Southern”. On that day, Southern blanked their rivals, 26-0, to win the first meeting of these South Philadelphia High Schools; and
WHEREAS, Since that day, South Philadelphians have come to expect and attend this historic rivalry over 80 times and to celebrate the tradition of Thanksgiving Day high school football; and
WHEREAS, During this time Southeast Catholic was renamed Bishop Neumann then St. John Neumann Catholic High School for Boys and ultimately merged with its sister school to become the present day Ss. John Neumann & Maria Goretti Catholic High School (Neumann Goretti); and
WHEREAS, When, the Northeast Catholic High School for Boys closed its doors in 2010, the Neumann Goretti vs. Southern game became the longest running Catholic vs public Thanksgiving Day game in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, We have been blessed with some unbelievable traditions in South Philadelphia and the Neumann Goretti family is pleased to renew this rivalry which is second to none. The 50th Anniversary of this game was played in 1983 at Veteran’s Stadium in front of an enthusiastic crowd of fans from South Philadelphia and beyond, which Neumann Goretti won 25-13; and
WHEREAS, A football game that harkens back to the days of leather helmets will once again take place in 2021 on Thanksgiving Day, November 25th, and will hopefully continue as long as time will allow; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby recognize and honor the long-standing tradition of the Ss. Neumann Goretti vs Southern Thanksgiving Day game which has been a much loved tradition in South Philadelphia for over 80 years.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Ss. Neuman Goretti and South Philadelphia High Schools as a sincere expression of City Council’s appreciation, and commendation on this momentous occasion.
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