Here is the official press release on the newly scheduled Everett-St. Mary’s football game courtesy of Paul Halloran

The St. Mary’s football team was looking for a Thanksgiving opponent after Austin Prep moved to the NEPSAC (New England Preparatory School Athletic Council) and is no longer able to schedule the Spartans. Everett did not play on Thanksgiving last year and was also in search of a holiday opponent.

Problem solved.

St. Mary’s will travel to Everett on Nov. 22 for a Thanksgiving Eve game vs. the Crimson Tide at Everett Memorial Stadium.

“We both needed a game and this made sense for a one-year deal,” said St. Mary’s Athletic Director Jeff Newhall. “Everett has one of the best high school football traditions in the state, so this will be a great environment for our players and coaches.”

The Spartans, who beat Austin Prep the day before Thanksgiving at Fenway Park last year, are coming off an MIAA Div. 6 state championship last fall, while Everett lost to Central Catholic in the Div. 1 quarterfinals.

“This is a big step up, but we always want to put our student-athletes in a position where they are challenged to the max,” Newhall said. “We’re confident that Coach (Sean) Driscoll and his players are up for it.”