Branford ready for annual Thanksgiving Day battle with Easties

Branford High and East Haven will square off on Thanksgiving for the 61st time. The game is in East Haven at 10:30 a.m.
By Matthew Kerrigan and Justin Julianelle This Thanksgiving at Crisafi Field in East Haven the Branford Hornets and the East Haven Yellow Jackets will play each other for the 61st time; this will be their last game of the year. Branford has not lost to East Haven on Thanksgiving since 2006 and are entering this game as the heavy favorite to win. The Hornets are entering this game with a 4-5 record after losing last week to Fairfield Prep 48-6 as part of a three game losing streak.  East Haven enters 1-8 after losing their last eight games of the season. East Haven has struggled this year giving up a difference of 310 points scoring 58 points this season and allowing 368. They will have to play a lot better if they hope to win. Branford has a 42 point differential scoring 227points and allowing 269 against. Some keys to the game are the Hornets run game when they have surpassed 300 yards rushing in a game they have won when they don’t pass that 300 yards rushing they have lost.  Also turnovers, Branford has fumbled the ball 22 times this year, and thrown 9 interceptions. If Branford can hold on to the ball and get their rushing game going they will have a good chance to win this game. Ant Jones who broke a bone in his right hand in last week’s ferocious game against Fairfield Prep will play this week. This game looks like a sure win for Branford based on statistics but when you are playing against your biggest rival on Thanksgiving you never know what could happen. For those who can’t get enough Branford football here is a link to the full game against Hillhouse presented by Playon sports.