It’s funny how rivalries begin. Sometimes it is based on a mutual dislike for one another, sometimes it can result from a longstanding history or grudge between two sides. Sometimes it can be because one area borders on another.

I’m not sure of all the reasons, but throughout my lifetime and before, Branford has always enjoyed a rivalry with our neighbors to the west, East Haven. Hornets versus Yellowjackets.

It has most certainly been true in athletics as Branford lines up against the Easties each Thanksgiving Day for as far back as 1946. In spite of how awful the teams might be, the season can be deemed a sweet success if they beat their hated rival on Turkey Day. During my high school days, our school was fortunate enough to beat East Haven for all four years. I am sure that any of the winning players would agree that the turkey seems to taste a lot better after a victory.

The same rivalry existed in other sports during high school as the two towns waged war in basketball and baseball and in later years, in hockey and other sports as well. The rivalry sometimes extended beyond the playing field as Friday night skirmishes often found their way to the McDonald’s on top of Branford Hills. Only a short distance to the town line in East Haven, the restaurant would often be the site of scuffles, requiring police intervention to cool things down as young Easties would spill over into “enemy” territory. Thankfully, I was never in on any of that excitement. One of my friends from high school remembered being at a party in town when some East Haven kids showed up. His memory was that “they were very nice.” Although he lived in Branford, his father taught school in East Haven, so his allegiances were split.

I, too, have had many family members and friends who have lived in East Haven and today I’m not sure how hot the rivalry burns, but on Thanksgiving Day, we stand on opposite sides of the gridiron.

Mike Russo is a lifelong Branford resident and proud parent of two children.