One-hundred years ago, St. Thomas College (now University of Scranton) and the former Scranton Technical High School faced off for a big Thanksgiving day football game in Athletic Park.
The Scranton Times reported at the time that the game generated a lot of interest because of the “great rivalry” between the two schools.
“The game was the best attended school game that has been played in Scranton in many years,” the newspaper reported.
An estimated more than 6,000 people attended the afternoon game.
“Nearly everyone of the huge mass was rooting hard for one team or the other,” the Times wrote.
St. Thomas was unable to score during the first half of the game, and Tech scored all of its points during the second quarter.
The second half started with Tech leading 13-0, and the St. Thomas team went in “with fight in their eyes,” according to the report.
Members of the Scranton Technical High School football team take a moment for a photo while practicing for their upcoming game against the Tomcats of St. Thomas College on Thanksgiving on Nov. 27, 1919. Times-Shamrock Archives
St. Thomas scored two touchdowns in the third quarter but was unable to score again.
The game ended 13-12 in favor of Tech. Although St. Thomas lost the game, the newspaper explained, “the Purple and White boys showed up as the superior to the Red and White in ground gaining.”
St. Thomas was able to gain yards by “passing to Fullback Eagen and hitting the center,” according to the article, and throughout the game, the Tomcats changed their tactic, trying “end runs rather than the play that was gaining for them.” This change caused the team to lose the chance at two touchdowns.
Members of the gridiron warriors of St. Thomas College who played against the team from Scranton Technical High School on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 27, 1919. Times Shamrock Archives
The day after the game, St. Thomas College announced it would protest the final score. The protest was based on the rulings made by a referee and the head linesman, Professor Powell, who was a professor at Technical High School.
“The collegians assert that throughout the entire game Powell warned Technical men who were off-side, and penalized St. Thomas men,” the Times reported.
The same day as the St. Thomas game, Dumore High School played Central High School at Catholic Club Park. Central High beat Dunmore by a score of 48-0.
While University of Scranton no longer competes at the intercollegiate level, there is an intramural football team on campus.
Contact the writer: (scalderone@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127
Members of the 1919 St. Thomas College Tomcats to play in the Thanksgiving Day game against Scranton Tech on Nov. 27, 1919. From left: Nick Helring, quarterback; Robert Walsh, center; Leo Rafferty, left guard; William Memolo, right guard; Paul Rafferty, left end and Captain Frank Toolan, right halfback. Times-Shamrock Archives
Here are the stories from the Scranton Times dealing with the St. Thomas / Tech and Central / Dunmore games –
Tech High School vs St Thomas College Thanksgiving Day football game story – Nov. 28, 1919 – The Scranton Times
Central High School vs Dunmore High School Thanksgiving football game story – Nov. 28, 1919 – The Scranton Times
Here are some additional images of the University of Scranton football team –
University of Scranton’s Mike Bintz finds five a crowd as foes surround him while carrying the ball on Nov. 6, 1966 at Memorial Stadium. Times-Tribune Archives
Fans really enjoy some hijinks prior to the start of the University of Scranton and King’s College football game at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 6, 1966. Times-Tribune Archives
University of Scranton and King’s College football game at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 6, 1966. Times-Tribune Archives
Cheerleader leads the crowd in a cheer during the University of Scranton and King’s College football game at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 6, 1966. Times-Tribune Archives
King’s College cheerleaders perform on the sidelines at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 6, 1966. From left: Pat Hoses, Marli Borr, Barbara Crause, Lynn Sedlack and Jackie Walsh. Times-Tribune Archives
University of Scranton coach Bill Wasielewski talks to one of his players between plays at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 6, 1966. Times-Tribune Archives
Marywood College students were in attendance to support the University of Scranton at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 6, 1966. Times-Tribune Archives
King’s College coach Joe Kurpis talks to his players on the sidelines during their Nov.6, 1966 game against the Universtity of Scranton at Memorial Stadium. Times-Tribune Archives
University of Scranton homecoming queen Pat Kilduff, left, and Linda Hatch, a member of her court, stand behind the University’s cheer squad at Memorial Stadium in Scranton on Nov. 6, 1966. Times-Tribune Archives
A spectator at the University of Scranton / King’s College football game on Nov. 6, 1966 at Memorial Stadium in Scranton. Times-Tribune Archives
The University of Scranton / King’s College football game on Nov. 6, 1966 at Memorial Stadium in Scranton. Times-Tribune Archives
the University of Scranton / King’s College football game on Nov. 6, 1966 at Memorial Stadium in Scranton. Times-Tribune Archives
the University of Scranton / King’s College football game on Nov. 6, 1966 at Memorial Stadium in Scranton. Times-Tribune Archives
the University of Scranton / King’s College football game on Nov. 6, 1966 at Memorial Stadium in Scranton. Times-Tribune Archives
the University of Scranton / King’s College football game on Nov. 6, 1966 at Memorial Stadium in Scranton. Times-Tribune Archives
The 1953 Centers for the University of Scranton Tomcats practice their starting positions. Times-Tribune Archives
The 1969 University of Scranton Club football team running backs will be playing against their longtime rivals at St. Bonaventure at the opening game. Times-Tribune Archives
Defensive players of the University of Scranton club football team, who will be in the thick of the battle at the opening game Sept. 27, 1969. Times-Tribune Archives
Linemen of the 1969 University of Scranton team looking to win at their homecoming game against Fairfield University. Times-Tribune Archives
University of Scranton club football coach, Dick Holmes, and staff talk to their players during a preseason practice session in 1970. Times-Tribune Archives
Pictured are the 1970 University of Scranton club football team candidates and their coaches, front row kneeling, left to right: John Nalvanko and head coach Dick Holmes. Times-Tribune Archives
The possible starting lineup for the University of Scranton club football team for the opening game against Canisius in 1970. Times-Tribune Archives
The 1971 co-captains for the University of Scranton club football team, left to right: Pat Casey, Scranton and Jim Aulisio, Old Forge. Times-Tribune Archives
Line of University of Scranton Tomcats prepared and determined for their opening game against Ramapo College, New Jersey. The game is the first of eight scheduled for the 1973-74 season. Times-Tribune Archives
Head Coach Dick Holmes kneels to go over practice details with the players on the University of Scranton club football team. Times-Tribune archives
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show "Ask Me Another." Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast