100th Thanksgiving Day

O n e H u n d re d T h a n ks g i v i n g s A M illio n Memories N Frankie Martino Rich Rebecchi 100th Thanksgiving Day 100th Thanksgiving Day Football Game Framingham High School vs Natick High School Idea: Create, produce and sell a commemorative video Parameters: 4 blocks of time, representing the four quarters of a football game, all within four 25 year spans 30 minute minimum viewing, 60 minute maximum viewing Still shots, moving scenes, music and voice over Set-up: Introduction Years 1-25 Years 26-50 Years 51-76 Years 77- present Conclusion Credits Work Load: Script Writers Researchers: Newspaper articles, yearbook, and pictures Film (8mm and 16mm) archives Video (Beta, S, DVD) archives Interviewers Artists Production Assistants Distributors 1904-1929 1930-1954 1955-1979 1980-2005 \ 100th Thanksgiving Day Football Game Framingham vs. Natick Research and Citation Paper 100th Thanksgiving Day Football Game Video Flow Chart Executive Producers Frankie Martino & Rich Rebecchi Producers -Liaison -Cataloging -Years 1-25 -Years 26-50 -Years 51-75 -Years 76-Present Mike Holly Kathleen Mary Ann Frank Sue O Researchers Researchers Assistants -Years 1-25 >>>>>>> As many as possible -Years 26-50 >>>>>> to ensure the -Years 51-76>>>>>> volume of clips needed -Years 76-Present>>> for video production -Multi media -Memorabilia -Writing Framingham North Framingham Central Framingham South Natick Teams Distribution Action Plan For 100th Thanksgiving Day Video Roll following text: Avery Dennison is proud to sponsor The following Framingham HS Foundation “100 Thanksgiving Day Games- 1,000,000 Memories” Video a FHS Talon Communications Production Introduction- Scene 1 Quarter 1Quarter 2Quarter 3Quarter 4ClosingRoll Credits Scene 2 Scene 3 Scene 4 Scene 5 Scene 6 Begin sequencing: 100th Thanksgiving Day Video Opening Sequence Scene 1 Action: Slow pan of Bowditch Field, from clubhouse to scoreboard Dialog begins Dialog: “100 times in Thanksgiving Day, the young men of Framingham High School and Natick High School competed for bragging rights and town pride on the gridiron. Games were played springlike conditions, pouring rain, brutal wind and cold, and an occasional snow/ice storm. Many of those games were played here on Bowditch Field. Some years undefeated seasons came to an end, some years the Turkey Day Game was an only win. Many who participated never played another down, many continued to plat at the college level. Many who played have fond memories of their exploits, many who played still think of what could have been. Two towns, one large – one small united by one common goal; beat the other. This video is an attempt to salute the football programs, the coaches, and the players of Framingham High School and Natick High School. A lot has happened since the first Thanksgiving Day Game in 1904, but one thing has remained the same; the biggest game of any season happens on Thanksgiving Day.” Action: Hold wide shot of scoreboard Begin scene 2 sequence Scene 2 Quarter 1 Years 1-25 Action: 1904-1929 Camera begins slow close up of Quarter window Number 1 lights up Dialog beings with camera’s first movement Dialog: “This year is 1904 and some amazing events have taken place. The Russo-Japanese conflict developed into a full-scale war. The World’s Fair was hosted by the city of Saint Louise. Crayola Crayons made their first appearance. Closer to home a football game between neighboring towns took place. Coolege Playground in Natick and the Athletic Field in Framingham were the primary sites for the annual battle on Turkey Day; a battle that would withstand the sands of time. The first 25 years set the stage for what would happen for over a century. Close wins, close losses, lopsided wins, ties and forfeits. The first 25 years had a little bit of everything. Leather helmets without face protection, rugby style jerseys without numerals and spectators, thousands of spectators were common in the early years. Headlines screamed predictions the day before or the morning of “The Big Game.” The day after saw bigger news print praising the victor. The first victor was Framingham High School by a score of 34-0.” Action: Fade to black Re-open with a foot kicking a ball, off tree Flow into sequences that include still photos of players, newspaper clips and the narrative to fill out 5-10 minutes of footage Fade at end of quarter 1 to quarter 2, scene 3 100th Video-Narrative 1 Years 1904-1929 1904 begins the tradition and Framingham wins the first two games in this storied series. Natick High School wins the 1906 game by a score of 32-0. There was a brief stoppage in play between the two towns from 1907-1909. When play resumed in 1910, Natick once again recorded a shout-win. The series would be played without an interruption from 1910 to present. 1911 was a unique year for this rivalry. To begin with, four downs were needed to gain ten yards. 1911 also featured not one, but two games between the schools. The Framingham Evening News sponsored the first trophy in the series, going to the winning school for one year. The Thanksgiving Day game survived World War I and a worldwide influenza epidemic. The mid-teen years were marked by a large quantity of shout-out wins for the schools. Attendance at the 1922 game was 10,000 screaming fans. Framingham High School would not loose a contest from 1926-1932. In 1927 numbered jerseys were worn for the first time. Also, for the first time, was a physician in attendance. A procedure that would become a standard at all games. Filming the game for public viewing began in 1928. Scene 3 Quarter 2 Years 26-50 Action: 1930-1954 Camera fades to scoreboard Tight close-up of Quarter window Number 2 lights up Dialog begins with camera’s first movement Dialog: “How times have changed. The Great Depression, World War II, advances in medicine, technological breakthroughs happening at breakneck speed, and a new brand of football being played. Gridiron big is weighing around 200 pounds. Gridiron tall is standing close to 6 feet. There’s a change in the look of the uniforms. Helmets are stronger and safer. Jersey’s have numerals on them. The game is played faster. The second 25 years of competition saw similar surprises like ties and the legions of fans that follow both teams. New surprises also happen. An ineligible player was involved in the 1938 game. The 1940 game was postponed because of a heavy snowfall” Action: Fade to black Re-open flowing into sequences that include still photos of players, Newspaper clips, old footage of games, and the narrative to fill out 5-10 minutes of footage. Fade at end of quarter 2 to quarter 3, scene 4 100th Video Narrative 2 Years 1930-1954 #1 First, while the rest of the nation was struggling through the Great Depression, Framingham made life for Redmen football players even more miserable, failing to lose several contests in a row, beginning in 1929 with a 25-0 shut out at Coolidge Playground in Natick. The “Framingham News,” perhaps anticipating such a win, was a bit cocky in its game preview, writing, “Framingham will enter the contest at its peak strength…in earlier contests they showed form that should overcome anything that Natick can develop.” By 1930, the Natick defense had recovered, matching the Framingham unit in a 0-0 thriller. Natick had the best chance to win late in the game, forcing Framingham to punt from deep in its own territory. Returner Eddie Casey, who finished with 131 return yards, broke through a seam and seemed destined for the end zone. 10,000 screamed as Flyers halfback Salvi Lacquidara chased Casey down at the two-yard line, and with a brilliant tackle Lacquidara forced the Natick offense onto the field. In four plays, alas, the Redmen went backwards five yards, the game ending in a shut-out. 12,000 fans, perhaps the most in history of the rivalry, turned out in 1931 as a favored Framingham team held Natick scoreless for the fourth consecutive meeting. This time, the Flyers found the scoreboard in the form of a 10-0 win. Unlike usual 10-0 scores, this Flyers win featured a pair of safeties, both coming in the first minutes of play. Interesting fact of the times? Framingham’s heaviest player was a healthy 174 pounds. After a few years of incomplete evidence, Framingham continued to dominate between the years 1935-1938. A 9-7 win by the Flyers in the 1935 was extra special, as the gamewinning touchdown was scored in the closing minutes of a heated battle. And get this, Doug Flutie faithful; Framingham’s winning extra point came in the form of a drop-kick. In 1936, Framingham pitched a 6-0 shutout win, holding the Redmen to one first down, a game played in, according to the news, “puddles of water.” The Flyers continued to roll the next two years, posting 20-0 and 14-6 victories, in 1937 and 1938, respectively. By 1940, Natick was ready to turn its fortunes around. The Redmen put together a 3-0 shutout, its first win in several years, in a game originally postponed due to heavy snowfall. Played on Saturday, the Daily News called it a “Mud Party.” Four Natick wins closed out the second quartile of this rivalry between 1942 and 1946. After losing in 1942, Framingham brought a perfect 8-0 record into the 1943 contest, having given up a total of 20 points on the season. Problem was, 7-1 Natick was pretty #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 good itself. 7,000 fans watched as Natick emerged with a 14-6 win, sparked by a pair of Lowry twins, whose first names were somewhat unique; Fenton and Windsor. Scene 4 Quarter 3 Years 51-75 Action: 1955-1979 Camera fades to scoreboard Tight close-up of Quarter window Number 3 lights up Dialog begins with camera’s first movement Dialog: “Everything that we are aware of is changing at a rapid pace. Over the next 25 years, the price of stamps will increase from 3 cents to 15 cents. A gallon of milk will rise from $.92 a gallon to $1.15 a gallon. Gasoline will increase from 23 cents to 86 cents per gallon. Great pairings will be part of out culture, and then will fade into memory. We see the great likes of Lucy and Desi, Martin and Lewis, Rowan and Martin, Lavern and Shirley, Mork and Mindy, but the one pairing that is still with us is Framingham and Natick. The becomes more intense with each passing year.” Action: Fade to black Re-open flowing sequences that include film clips, interviews, and Narrative to fill out 5-10 minutes of footage. Fade at end of quarter 3 to quarter 4, scene 5. 100th Video Narrative Years 1954-1979 During the 50’s, the Natick Redmen were not kind to the Framingham Flyers. Natick compiled a streak of wins that began in 1942. Natick High School had fast become a force to recon with during the football team. 1958 saw the introduction of new head coaches for both programs. Dan Bennett became Natick’s new coach and Bob Jachowicz began leading the Flyers. 1958 also saw the fifth tie in the longstanding rivalry. The tie was the only blemish on Natick’s Thanksgiving Day record, which included 19 straight wins. The 60’s thankfully began with a heart-stopping Framingham victory, 28-18. the game featured a little bit of everything, including the ejection of a Natick player. But history has a way of repeating itself and Natick would bounce back with seven victories in this 10-year span. There were plenty of highlights for the Flyers despite Natick’s record during the decade. No highlight was better or more important than what happened in 1965. An away win is always a little sweeter and that’s exactly what happened at Memorial Field. In beating Natick, Framingham became the league champions. On a picture perfect autumn morning, Framingham’s Ron Clements set the tone for the game by returning the opening kick-off 85 yards and a quick Framingham lead. A close second for highlights had to be Framingham’s pounding of the Redmen, in 1969. Framingham’s 40 points, in their 40-0 win, were the most points scored against Natick since the beginning of the rivalry. This beating also happened on Natick’s Memorial Field in front of 9,000 spectators. Framingham’s defeat of Natick in 1970 marked the first time since the 30’s that the Flyers were able to pull off back-to-back Thanksgiving Day victories. The Flyers would win again in 1979, coach Bob Jachowicz’s final game. A new head coach in 1974, Bob Whelan, and a new head coach, Tom Lamb, in 1977 brought the same Natick results. The Redmen would continue to have a better record than the Flyers in the decade, posting 8 wins. Scene 5 Quarter 4 Years 76-Present 1980-2005 Action: Camera fades into scoreboard Tight close-up of Quarter window Number 4 lights up Dialog begins with camera’s first Dialog: “Where in the annals of rivalries does Framingham vs Natick rate? Does it belong ahead of Coke vs Pepsi, or Burger King vs McDonalds? Is it possibly behind Red Sox vs Yankees, or Ford vs Chevy? In any case, this long-standing rivalry has transcended time. It’s more than just a game. It’s a reunion of sorts, a center to reminisce, a place to be on a cold November morning.” Action: Fade to black Re-open flowing into sequences that include film clips and the remaining Interviews to fill 5-10 minutes of footage. Fade at end of quarter and begin closing sequence 100th Video Narrative 4 Years 1980-Present 1980 saw a series of coaching moves for the Framingham Flyers. First, in 1980 “Scootch” Giargari assumed the Flyers helm. Mark Iarussi followed him in 1982. Jack Diatelvi, a former Framingham player and mentee of the legendary Bob Jachowicz became the next head coach in 1984. Natick continued its’ gridiron dominance through out the 80’s. Only the 1989 game, a Framingham 14-7win was Natick’s only blemish. Players and fans saw more coaching changes in the rivalry. In 1991 Natick’s new head coach was Bob Ghalani. Mike Dubzinski followed him in 1994. Framingham’s new head coach was Gary Doherty in 1998. Tom Lamb returned to Natick in 2002 after a successful stint at the college level. Framingham merged its two high schools in the fall of 1991. This merger brought a more competitive nature and a level playing field to the annual competition. From 1991-2005, Natick High School would win 8 games and Framingham High School would be victorious in 7. No one knows what the 2006 final score will be but, the game is right around the corner and it’s just a matter of time before we find out. One thing that is certain is that anything can happen. Expect the unexpected, ready yourself for surprises, and sit back and enjoy. 100th Thanksgiving Day Video Closing Sequence Scene 6 Action: Tight shot of scoreboard showing quarter 4 Close lights on scoreboard Slow wide shot of scoreboard Slow pan from the scoreboard past stands to clubhouse Dialog begins with camera’s first movement Dialog 1: “Some things never seem to change. 100 pennies is still a dollar. 100 centimeters is still a meter. 100 years is still a century. The sun still rises from the East and sets in the West. And every Thanksgiving Day morning around 10:00 o’clock two teams, one from Framingham and one from Natick suit-up, lace-up and strap-up for the most important football game of the season.” Action/Dialog 2: Fade out, but hold fade Play assorted sounds: Lockers slamming closed, Kids yelling and hitting pads, music from the band, crowed cheering and yelling, a whistle blowing and the announcer saying “Framingham has won the toss and has elected to”……………………………………… Roll credits, while playing fight song over and over. 100th Video Closing Credits Part A 1a. Begin fight song 1b. Roll closing credit, part B 1c. Insert stills from past seasons (03, 04, 05) 1d. End music with end of part B 2a. Add the following: This video was made because of the generosity Of Avery Dennison. Throughout the years, Dennison Manufacturing and Subsequently, Avery Dennison have supported many Framingham High School Foundation is thankful For Avery Dennison’s continued financial support. 2b. Insert both logos – Dennison and Avery Dennison 3. Add the following: This has been a Talon Communications Production, 2006 100th Video Closing Credits Part B Executive Producers Frankie Martino Rich Rebecchi Director of Operations Dan Devlen Chief Engineer Ken Shifman Production Specialists Matt Caron Danny Zack Narrator Roy Reiss, the voice of Flyer Football Cataloger Holly Bonder Research Team Frank Martino Kathleen Goodhue Mary Ann Guadagnoli Susan Ohrenberger Writing Team Mike Lopez Frankie Martino Rich Rebecchi Susan Whittaker Multi-Media Team Maddie Chemielinski Kathy Hauck Frankie Martino Phil Read Memorabilia Team Louis DelPoio Ben Galvani Ralph LePore Frank Martino Rich Rebecchi Sue Oherberger Special thanks Mike Norton – President, FHS Gridiron Club Mary O’Connell - VP, FHS Gridiron Club Mike Welch – Principal, Framingham High School Bob Merusi – Director, Framingham Parks and Recreation Ed Convery – Past President, Framingham historical Society Dan Devlen – Supervisor, FHS Television Productions Summer Jones-Riolo – Director, FHS Electronic Media Kyle Ganson – Director, FHS Athletic Photography Nimbit Productions – Printing and Pressing & All the writers and reporter who covered this competition Throughout the years