A number of speakers talked about the 91st Thanksgiving Day football rivalry between the Northampton Area High School and Catasauqua High School during the 66th annual Bury the Hatchet Dinner Nov. 26 at the Catasauqua American Legion.

Sponsored by the Northampton Exchange Club and the Catasauqua Community Booster Club, the program alternates each year between the two boroughs.

Speakers said the program is important in maintaining community relationships and school pride.

Northampton Area School District Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik said this year's Turkey Day game was relocated to Muhlenberg College due to the construction of a new middle school and football field.

"This year we're going back to our roots, Muhlenberg College," Kovalchick said. The two teams played at Muhlenberg on Thanksgiving Day from 1930 to 1968.

Both Northampton and Catasauqua school administrators pledged continued support for the annual Thanksgiving Day game and the Bury the Hatchet program.

"Win or lose, it is going to be a great game," Kovalchick said.

Catasauqua Area School District Superintendent Robert Spengler, who was out of town, said in a statement the game is a long-standing tradition within the community. To date, Northampton leads the contest with 54 wins to Catasauqua's 32. Four games ended in a tie.

"I wish both teams a lot of luck," Northampton Area High School Principal Stephen Seier said.

"It's been a good year for Catasauqua," said CHS Principal David Ascani. "It is going to be a tough game."

CASD Athletic Director Thomas Moller commended the Catasauqua players for an outstanding season.

CHS head coach Tom Falzone and his staff said the Rough Riders will give the game their all, despite a state playoff game that was to have been played two days later.

Konkrete Kids Coach Jeff Brosky said while the Northampton season did not end on a good note, the players worked hard for the Thanksgiving game.

"The kids prepared and are ready to go," Brosky said.

Falzone said his team put in a lot of time and effort this year.

"This has been a pressure year," Falzone said.

Falzone added the Catasauqua team did an "awesome" job.