Will this be it?

Thursday’s annual Catasauqua-Northampton Thanksgiving Day clash will be the 102nd game in the series, and it will mark the 100th anniversary of the game that began in 1925. The only other long-standing Thanksgiving Day game in the greater area is Easton-Phillipsburg, which has been played for 118 years.

Last year, there was plenty of discussion whether the series should have ended after Northampton won its 11th straight and in convincing fashion. Despite the size differences, both schools decided to continue playing for another year.

Northampton senior lineman Riley Montgomery still remains anxious to play the game, and he has his share of memories.

“I see the game as a positive,” said Montgomery. “I’m glad I get to experience it because it means I get one more game with my guys. Catty is an athletic team and they have some good players. We’ve been planning accordingly for that.

“Some of my favorite memories are when we ran onto the field my sophomore year. I didn’t play in that game, but I still had a great time cheering on those seniors. Last year, my favorite memory was watching Cam Hersch catching Gavin’s (Taff) throw and going 99 yards for a touchdown.”

Montgomery, though, knows the game has lost some of its luster for him and his teammates.

“I honestly feel a little sad that the game might be ending, but I feel like the game has come to a point where it is time for it to end. The game isn’t competitive anymore, and the rivalry has died down, at least on the Northampton side.”

Catasauqua senior linebacker/tight end Chris Wellington plans to take the game in stride, and he has his favorite moments.

“I see it as another game on the schedule, and we’ll prepare like any other game,” offered Wellington. “I remember my sophomore year getting my first tackle for a loss on a (Class) 6A team and that was very special to me.”

Wellington has mixed feelings about the future of the game, and he is confident about his team Thursday.

“I’m not sure about the future of the game, but I think we should play them like it’s the last one making everyone and everything special,” added Wellington. “I think as the years go on, we are destined to pull some of them out.”

Northampton senior quarterback Gavin Taff plans again to enjoy the moments and always cherish the traditions.

“Some of my favorite memories from the game are playing with the older kids for the last time,” reflected Taff, who has thrown for 1,404 yards with 15 touchdowns and three interceptions. “Now that my class and I are seniors, it will be sentimental.

“The game ending after this year is a toss up, and we wouldn’t have much say in it. At the end of the day, it’s always been a tradition held by Catty and Northampton.”

Catasauqua junior quarterback Aiden Reilly, who likely will return to the lineup after a wrist injury, has seen the game develop into a tradition in which he made his mark.

“My favorite memory has got to be winning the team MVP last year,” said Reilly. “I’ve grown up watching this game since first grade, and my father Brian played in the game, which means a lot to me to play in it.

“I see the team ready to go and focused. We had good practices and had some fun as well.”

Like some of his teammates, Reilly has mixed feelings about the game’s future.

“I’m kind of in between about it,” beamed Reilly. “As much as I love the game and don’t want to see it end, it’s unfortunate that it is coming to that. It doesn’t feel like it has the same competitive nature anymore. However, every year this is a tradition for me, and it just wouldn’t feel the same without the game.”

Northampton sophomore running back Chase Kessler, who rushed for a team-high 1,418 yards with 15 touchdowns, is ecstatic for his debut in the game.

“I am really excited for this game because it’s my first Turkey Day game,” gushed Kessler. “I can’t wait to be part of this tradition with my team and between the two schools.”

Catasauqua senior running back Cadeo Estronza plans to make the most of the experience and sees more Thanksgiving clashes in the future.

“There’s nothing for us to lose,” exclaimed Estronza. “It’s a great community game, but there’s definitely some motivation to win this game after it almost got shut down. My favorite tradition is getting everyone together in the community.

“I don’t see this being the last game in the tradition. I think we will shock the board and show it’s not worth putting an end to this and the rivalry. I feel there is always going to be chatter between the two teams.

“Both teams will go out and give whatever they have.”

Northampton fifth-year head coach John Toman believes the game has lost its appeal during his tenure.

“I was just talking about the decorations and excitement we used to have throughout the school this entire week compared to the current situation where you really wouldn’t know the game was happening,” emphasized Toman. “If I am being honest, the Whitehall game has more excitement around it.”