The game is still on.

At Catasauqua’s monthly school board meeting Tuesday night, the board decided to table a vote to either continue or end the annual football Thanksgiving Day tilt with Northampton. The topic will be discussed again when they met again on May 6.

Last season marked the 101st game between the two teams, and Northampton holds a 64-33-4 advantage in the series. Northampton won last year, 58-14.

An earlier special board meeting reviewed concerns about lopsided male enrollments between the two schools, player safety and competitive balance. Catasauqua has dropped the last 10 meetings by an average deficit of over 32 points.

Ed Csencsits, who guided the Rough Riders for 17 seasons and also as an assistant coach, has watched the game evolve in several ways. Csencsits guided the Roughies to five Colonial league crowns and four District 11 Class 2A titles as part of an overall 124-36-1 mark.

“I first coached on Turkey Day in 1969, and the last time on Tom Falzone’s staff,” said Csencsits. “Some of my fondest memories as a coach were those Turkey Day games. Time has impacted the community response to the tradition. It doesn’t seem to generate the enthusiasm it once did. Since I’m not directly involved anymore, I can’t speak to the viewpoint of the players and coaches. To me, they would be the deciding factor. If they want to continue that great rivalry and tradition, beat Northampton on Turkey Day.”

Former running back Hunter Reitz, who played in 2023, believes players should have the opportunity to be a part of the game’s history.

“I think it is horrible that they want to end the game,” said Reitz. “Everyone on the team was always super excited to play in the Turkey Day game. Ask any current player or past player and they will tell you how much it means to them. As a kid, we all used to go to the game and couldn’t wait until we got a shot in it. I think it’s ridiculous that people who have never played in the game are trying to make decisions about it. The game should go on for another 100 years.

“The game isn’t about wins or losses, it’s a tradition that everyone loves playing in. There is always a huge crowd from both sides that comes to watch the game because it means so much to both communities.”

Current quarterback, junior Aiden Reilly, is anxious to keep the game going.

“I do understand Northampton is six times the size of us, but, at the end of the day, this game to me isn’t just about football it’s about the tradition,” said Reilly. “I’ve watched this game for about 11 years straight and many years even been on the sideline for it.

“To me I absolutely love the tradition and makes me look forward to every year around Thanksgiving. Without this game for me and many others I’m sure, Turkey Day wouldn’t feel the same. Also, it’s not about wins and losses. It’s about one last game for the seniors and to help bring the community together every year on a November morning, which is great! I sure hope the tradition does not end anytime soon.”

Quarterback Zack Bradley led the Roughies to three-straight victories over Northampton, notching their last victory, 43-28, in 2013. He believes the fate of the game should be decided by the players.

“I see both sides of the coin,” said Bradley. “But it is apparent the kids want to play. Catty always has been the smaller school and the underdog. If the kids want to play, they should play.

“The kids shouldn’t be denied of the opportunity and experience to play in a game like this.”