Concord Carlisle High School’s Annual Thanksgiving football game resulted in an incredible 32-0 win against Lexington High School. Their win wasn’t the only astounding news about this night, though. The game, held on November 26, brought together the Football Team, the Cheer Team, and the Pep Band at a truly spectacular location: Fenway Park.
The experience on all sides, be it Concord Carlisle fans or those from Lexington High School, was a night to remember. Just the opportunity in itself, to play at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, was truly special.
Fenway’s atmosphere was different from other football games, with the location truly making this an extra special experience. “All of the lighting, sounds, and effects made the game so much more interesting,” says Sophie, a CCHS student who attended to the game. Mrs. DiCesare, a parent of a player on the football team, equally echoed this sentiment, saying that “The lights, music, and performances by the CCHS pep band and cheerleaders made the experience even more special.”
The Pep Band had a wonderful night, too. Director of Bands and Orchestras at CCHS, Mr. Noce, added that his favorite moment of the night was “playing the CCHS Fight Song again and again under the lights of Fenway.” Mia, a member of the CCHS Pep Band, said, “It was certainly different from home games, and the atmosphere was electric and generally very excitable.”
Not only was this experience valued by the people of CCHS, but also Fenway’s staff. Co-principal Katie Stahl, said, “We received many compliments from Fenway staff about how respectful, positive, and responsive to feedback you guys were. They said our student section was one of the best they’d ever seen.” And it doesn’t just stop there. Mr. Noce adds, “What caught the attention of Fenway’s staff was not only the volume, but also the vibe. More than once, we were told we were the best band Fenway had heard in this year’s run of football games at the ballpark.”
The opportunity to play at Fenway was such an incredible and unique experience, unlike any other for the people at CCHS. Mrs. DiCesare said, “Not once, during all these years, did we imagine that [my son] and his team would be able to take part in such a special opportunity. And, the fact that CCHS was the ‘home team’ and got to be in the Red Sox dugout and locker room was just amazing.” For parents, like DiCesare, who have watched their kids play football since as early as first grade, this night was truly showcased so much hard work and dedication of the players, with many who have been playing this game for years.
For DiCesare, she admits that “what truly got me was watching #14 on the jumbotron multiple times – finishing a play, celebrating a touchdown, lining up for a play, etc.” She went on to say that another wonderful experience about the night was having “family members and friends watching the live stream, and texting us whenever they saw John on TV!”
As DiCesare puts it best, “For the seniors who aren’t going on to play football in college (like John) – What a way to end one’s football career! Sheer magic!”
