CLEARY’S NOTEBOOK NEWS SPORTS

Turkey Day Football: Gloucester City High School vs Gloucester Catholic High School

NOTE: For decades, the annual Turkey Day football games between Gloucester Catholic and Gloucester High drew thousands of enthusiastic fans, filling the stands with cheers and excitement in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. In those early days, the thrilling clashes unfolded at the Charles Street stadium. With the construction of a new high school in the 1960s, the spirited rivalry shifted to that location.

What made these games such a spectacular event was the local pride displayed by the players from both schools. Fast forward to today, and that local flavor has faded, as the Gloucester Catholic team now boasts an array of players predominantly from outside the city. Although the game still gives the winner bragging rights, it doesn’t draw the number of fans that it once did. The following articles capture the history and spirit of this iconic event, as published in the Gloucester City News and Cleary’s Notebook News on the specified dates.

By LEA KOROS

Special to CNBNews

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 2006) – With just a week to go until the highly anticipated Lions/Rams game, excitement is building! The “ELECTION” has wrapped up, and our incredible community of residents and alumni is diving into the cherished tradition that only those connected to GHS or GCHS can truly understand. There’s a buzz in the air meant for locals—it’s not the kind of chatter you’d hear on a bus from Deptford or Washington Township. No, this energy is alive at the Memorial A.A. church. I’ve sat in on those lively sermons, including one I recall about mixed marriages. Recently, the discussion turned to the question that ignites spirited debate: How can a Lion possibly marry a Ram? And how could they dare to send their kids to that school on Cumberland St.?

Continue reading →

1957: RAMS OVER LIONS, GCHS WINS CITY TITLE AGAIN; BEAT GLOUCESTER HIGH 12-7

Note: A series of articles about the history of the Gloucester Catholic vs. Gloucester High football games was published in a booklet released in 1993 entitled “The Renewal of Friendship”. This incredible history of the series was put together by members of the Gloucester High Alumni Association.

In 1957, in what was the most thrilling game of their 10-game series, Gloucester Catholic High captured its fifth straight city championship. By doing so, they evened the series at five wins apiece.

*****

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ–(November 1957)An estimated 3500 spectators witnessed the game at the Charles Street Stadium, which, when the final whistle blew, saw the Rams victorious by a 12-7 score.

The determined Public High eleven looked good even in defeat and were pressing until the end.

Catholic scored in both the second and third quarters and had to beat back a fourth-period rally by the Blue and Gold, who, having scored in the third period, went all out to try to upset the ultimate victors.

Richie Shields and Ray McCann produced the touchdowns for the Rams, while bothTerry Reiss and Ozark Underwood failed in the P.A.T.

Continue reading →

GLOUCESTER’S GAME

BY G.J. FERGUSON

Gloucester City, NJ (1993)–It has been nearly three decades since the last City-Series game was played in 1965. At times, it feels like it was only yesterday, but sadly, it was not. With the final whistle on that sunny autumn day, the City-Series faded into memory—memories that have endured over the years, living in the hearts and minds of those who remember the series and hold it dear.

It is with those memories in mind that the idea for this program began. What started as a history of the series has transformed into more of a memoir. While a true history would require a book of several hundred pages, this program aims to evoke nostalgia. As you read the game stories and look at old photographs, I hope it brings back not just memories of the games themselves, but also of old friends, teammates, and a different time.

In the old industrial city on the Delaware, the year 1948 marked the beginning of annual football games between Gloucester High and Gloucester Catholic. This was a time when semi-pro and town teams still thrived and attracted sizable crowds. However, the largest and most loyal following was for high school football. Across the country, in rural towns and cities large and small, thousands filled the bleachers to cheer for their local teams.

Continue reading →

1950: Lions Swamp Rams Score 56-7

**Note:** A series of articles about the history of the Gloucester Catholic vs. Gloucester High football games was published in a booklet released in 1993, entitled “The Renewal of Friendship.” This comprehensive history of the series was compiled by members of the Gloucester High Alumni Association.

**Gloucester City, NJ (November 1950)** – If any Gloucester Catholic players had nightmares after last night’s city series battle in Gloucester, they may have envisioned a mythical figure bearing the number 66 leaping over the edge of the bed.

Before more than 3,500 chilly fans, the hard-running halfback scored five touchdowns, leading his team to a stunning 56-7 victory. This triumph allowed Coach Carlos Paisley’s team to set a new school scoring record, surpassing the previous high of 49 points, achieved in 1930 against Clayton.