TOMS RIVER – An old tradition was revisited when members of the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders recently presented proclamations to former high school football players in recognition of the upcoming 100th Thanksgiving Day Football Game between the two high schools.
The athletes were honored as being current staunch supporters of Lakewood and Toms River South high schools and both Lakewood and Toms River South high school communities grew up with the game.
The Lakewood Piners and the Toms River High School South Indians match-up is considered the longest running football rivalry in the Shore Conference.
The presentation included former Lakewood Mayor Joseph Buckelew, former who played Lakewood High School football in 1946 and 1947, Ocean County Freeholder Director Virginia E. Haines, who attended Lakewood High School and was a former cheerleader, and Richard and Doug Polhemus, former Toms River football players who over the years have been joined by 30 family members in support of the game.
