On Thursday, many will reunite with family and friends while they celebrate Thanksgiving. In Massachusetts the tradition starts with high school football, from historic rivalries to games that decide playoff berths.

Some teams, such as Needham and Wellesley, are excited to play despite both already being out of playoff contention. The Rockets and Raiders will meet for the 125th time, a rivalry dating to 1882. Wellesley has a slight advantage over Needham in the oldest public school Thanksgiving Day rivalry in the nation, leading the series, 59-56-9.