Cinnaminson Ready for Thanksgiving Rivalry Game Vs. Delran

Cinnaminson looks to even the score against rival Delran when the two clash in their annual Thanksgiving football game next week. 

Though the Pirates have beaten the Bears the last two years—claiming the WJFL Liberty Division title in 2011 and sharing it with Delran in 2012—Delran is still up 4-3 in their Turkey Day rivalry, according to head coach Mario Patrizi. 

"Every year it's a great game. Both teams play hard," Patrizi said ahead of next Thursday's game. "It's a healthy rivalry. Both teams are fierce, competitive."

Maple Shade used to be Cinnaminson's Thanksgiving Day opponent, but when the league got shuffled several years ago, Delran assumed the mantle.

"It just made sense," said Patrizi, who's coached every one of the team's Thanksgiving games vs. Delran. "It's a crosstown rival. And we thought it would bring alumni back, and it has ... You see people at games during the regular season, but not like Thanksgiving. It's a great atmosphere."

Both Cinnaminson and Delran had strong regular seasons, finishing 7-2. However, both also fell short in the playoffs. The Pirates were overwhelmed by Bridgeton 47-26 in the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 2 playoffs, while the Bears fell to Lakewood, 20-12, in the quarterfinals of the Central Jersey Group 2 playoffs.

Patrizi commended his players on their performance this year, and said the team made great strides during the season. He hopes they can carry the same formula for success they used during the regular season—hard work, strong defense, limited mistakes—into next week's game. 

"We feel good—as well as (Delran is) feeling," he said. "It's just a matter of who makes the least mistakes."

The Thanksgiving Day game begins at 11 a.m. at Delran High School.