By Ella Franzman – Editor-in-Chief & Editorial Editor

Jonathan Law’s Athletic Director Tom Drew is getting excited for the upcoming annual Thanksgiving week games against Foran. There are three games that take place the week of Thanksgiving: the Froshmore football game Monday evening at Foran, the flag football Powderpuff game Tuesday night at Foran, and the highly-anticipated varsity football game on Thanksgiving morning, that game taking place at Jonathan Law. Advocate Editor-in-Chief Ella Franzman interviewed Drew to see how he’s getting ready for the big week.  

Ella Franzman: Why is the Foran vs. Law Thanksgiving week so special?

Tom Drew: Thanksgiving in Milford is a true community event. You have a large portion of the school community either playing in the games, in the band, or participating in cheer. It is a day to showcase just how special Milford truly is.  

EF: You have coached football at both Law and Foran. How is your role different now as the Athletic Director at Law?

TD: I have coached football at both Law and Foran and the preparation that goes into playing a game on any Friday is significant. As Athletic Director I still feel the pressure just in a different way. My goal is to make sure the event takes place as seamlessly as possible.  

EF: Can you share some history about the Thanksgiving football game and its significance to the community?

TD: There are not many two high school towns in the state of Connecticut. Thanksgiving in Milford is important because it is what makes us unique. I think the rivalry is as healthy as it has ever been. Coach Haley and Coach Walker have done a great job of keeping the rivalry positive. I am very proud to be a part of this game. 

EF: How do the teams prepare for such a high-stakes rivalry game?

TD: The goal every year is that this game is not the last, both teams this year are still in the hunt for the playoffs so preparation has to remain the same. From a coaching perspective this game is like any other, all practice routines and preparation routines remain the same. Once 10:30am hits on Thanksgiving morning, it’s hard to convince the kids that it is just “another game.”  

EF: Can you talk about the impact that the Powderpuff and Thanksgiving day football games have on school sport and community involvement? 

TD: This time of year is special because so many Milford students have a stake during the week of Thanksgiving. Our numbers in Powderpuff are staggering, our cheer and band are culminating another successful year, and our football team is hopeful to extend their season.  The halls of Jonathan Law feel a little more alert this time of year, and the school pride is at an all-time high. It’s what makes the end fall season so special.