HARRISBURG, Pa. — Thanksgiving, family and football. It’s a combination we’ll see a lot this holiday and it’s no different for Harrisburg High School’s football team.
With a ticket to the state final on the line in the Harrisburg Cougar's matchup with Pittsburgh Central Catholic on Saturday, Thanksgiving carries extra meaning for the Cougars family this year.
Some will be waking up Thursday morning to start their Thanksgiving cooking, others may be taking part in their local turkey trot, but for the Harrisburg Cougars, they are hitting the practice field bright and early to gear up for their biggest game of the season thus far.
"[We have] a chance to do something great in Pennsylvania, it's a blessing to be a part of this team practicing on Thanksgiving morning. Not a lot of teams can do that," said Messiah Mickens, junior running back for the Harrisburg Cougars.
"Spending the holidays at football practice is the best because you know you're far in playoffs, and that's just the best feeling," said Kevin Brown, a Harrisburg Cougars junior lineman. "Practice in the morning, eat Thanksgiving at night, and then you talk with your family members about what's coming up, it's the best."
For a team that has won four straight district titles and is making its fourth straight PIAA 6A semi-finals appearance, they are familiar with what Thanksgiving football preparation is all about.
"It's all about putting in the work. When you put the work in, that breeds confidence," said Harrisburg Head Coach Cal Everett. "It's definitely going to be a tough matchup. [They're] a great program [but] we have a great team. It'll be interesting come Saturday."
However, on top of that hard work, bright and early on Thanksgiving, the Cougar family knows it’s not always just about football. Practicing on Thursday is also an easy reminder of thanks to the teammates, coaches and family that helped get you there.
"Thanksgiving Day practices are extremely special because not everyone has that opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with their second family," said Everett. "All the bonds and memories that we're going to have for a lifetime is special."
"Thanksgiving is football for me and my family," said Mickens. "[I] enjoy it with my teammates as well. There's no better feeling being in Pennsylvania practicing on Thanksgiving [which is] a blessing."
Kickoff for Harrisburg’s state semi-final matchup with Pittsburgh Central Classic is on Saturday at 7 p.m.