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JIM’S VIEW: Watertown Beats Belmont in the 103rd Edition of the Thanksgiving Day Rivalry

By Jim Vershbow, Contributor | November 28, 2025

Watertown’s defense celebrates after stopping Belmont on fourth down late in the Thanksgiving Day Game. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

On a beautifully sunny Thanksgiving morning, with a gusty wind making it feel a little cooler then it really was, the 3-7 Watertown Raiders welcomed the 0-9 Belmont Marauders to Victory Field for the 103rd meeting of these two schools that dates back to 1921. In a game that was close throughout, Watertown won its second straight Thanksgiving Day game, this time by the score of 21-12.

Sold Out Donohue’s Turkey Trot Draws More Than 1,500 Runners & Walkers

More than 1,500 people took part in the 20th Donohue’s Turkey Trot. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The 20th edition of the Donohue’s Turkey Trot drew the biggest crowd in the history of the Thanksgiving morning 5K run and walk. More than 1,500 people joined in the event, which raises money for the Watertown Boys & Girls Club.

City Will Buy Modular Classrooms to Give Time & Flexibility for Middle School Project

The City Council voted to purchase the modular classrooms currently being used as the temporary Watertown High School at Moxley Field. (Courtesy by City of Watertown)

City Councilors unanimously voted to purchase the modular classrooms set up on Moxley Field on Tuesday. The City will make up the cost by eliminating leasing costs, and by owning them there will no longer be a rush to start a project to renovate or rebuild Watertown Middle School and there are hopes of reducing the price tag for that project.

Rivals Square Off Thursday Morning at Victory Field With Pride & Bragging Rights on The Line

Watertown hopes to keep the Thanksgiving Gam trophy in 2025. Last year. the Raiders won the Thanksgiving Game at Belmont. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

On Thursday morning, Nov. 27th, better known as Thanksgiving, young men from Watertown and Belmont will suit up to play football for the chance to say “we beat them” in the 103rd edition of the Raiders versus Maurauders rivalry. And the beauty of it all is that it doesn’t matter what has transpired leading up to this game, either this season in terms of each schools overall record or past Thanksgiving Day games. It’s all about the day at hand and trying to put together 48 minutes of winning football.

More Headlines

Board of Health Revokes Licenses for 2 Bodywork Businesses, Details of Inspections Discussed

City Council Looking at Middle School Options; High School Project on Time, Receiving Solar Reimbursement

ZBA Has Suggestions or Residential Project on Water Street, Gets Update on 104 Main St. Project

Entertainment

Merry Mingle Returns to the Commander’s Mansion with Holiday Characters, Train Rides & a Tree Lighting

By Guest Writer | November 28, 2025

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

Please join us for The Merry Mingle on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 from 4-8 p.m. at the Commander’s Mansion! Enjoy festive outdoor activities including a toy chest drive with Watertown Veterans’ Services benefiting the Whooley Foundation, meet-and-greets with holiday characters, train rides, artificial snowball fight with Watertown Recreation, and the Christmas tree lighting at 7:30 p.m., and more!

Business

Local Company Buys 95 Thanksgiving Dinners for Watertown Families

By Charlie Breitrose | November 27, 2025

Akian Plumbing teamed with the Whooley Foundation to provide 95 Thanksgiving meals.

The Whooley Foundation, along with a donation by Steven and Alex Akian — owners of Watertown’s Akian Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning — provided over 95 full Thanksgiving meals to families in town this week.

Sports

Thanksgiving Game: Final – Watertown 21, Belmont 12

By Charlie Breitrose | November 27, 2025

Watertown celebrates defeating Belmont in the 2025 Thanksgiving Game. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown triumphed over rivals Belmont in the 103rd Thanksgiving Game on Thursday morning at Victory Field. The Marauders scored first and kept it close for the first half, but the Raiders struck twice in the second half to clinch a 21-12 win.

Sports

JIM’S VIEW: Gold Kings Win Overtime Thriller at Ryan Arena on Military Appreciation Night

By Jim Vershbow, Contributor | November 26, 2025

The Boston Gold Kings won an overtime thriller Saturday night at John A. Ryan Arena, 6-5 over the Norfolk Mallards.

Entertainment

Holiday Celebration at Arsenal Yards Includes Black Friday, Character Extravaganza & Hannukkah Celebration

By Guest Writer | November 26, 2025

Arsenal Yards has a lineup of events for the Holidays. (Courtesy of Arsenal Yards)

The following announcement was provided by Arsenal Yards.

Sports

Watertown Hosting Thanksgiving Football Game, See How to Get Tickets, Park & Gain Entry to Victory Field

By Charlie Breitrose | November 25, 2025

Watertown will host Belmont in the 103rd Thanksgiving Game on Thursday, Nov. 27 at 10 a.m. at Victory Field. Due to construction on the other parts of the complex, parking will not be allowed on site. Tickets are available online, and there is a discount until Wednesday afternoon.

Around Town

See the Thanksgiving Hours for City Hall, the Library & the Senior Center

By Guest Writer | November 25, 2025

City buildings will close early on Wednesday and will remain closed through the Thanksgiving. Some will be closed on Friday, as well. See details in the announcement from the City of Watertown.

Government

Residents Wanted to Serve on Several Boards, Including Health, Zoning, Planning, Council on Aging

By Guest Writer | November 25, 2025

Watertown City Hall

Multiple City boards seek members, including the Board of Health, Community Preservation Committee, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Licensing Board, Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee, and the Council on Aging. See more information about the boards and how to apply in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below.