In a series older than almost anyone in the crowd, the 79th meeting of Madison and Millburn on Thanksgiving Day was all Madison. And that's not surprising: Madison is looking for its 24th consecutive win next Friday against Summit for the NJSIAA North Section 2, Group 2 Championship and this game was not going to stand in there path. 

Nearly 1,500 people filled Millburn High School's Dr. Keith A. Neigel Field Thursday morning. It was cool and crisp, a beautiful day for football. Both bands played from the stands as former players, families and students surrounded the field. 

So much of this game is about tradition and a friendly rivalry.

Jonathan Katz, part of the "Miracle of Millburn" team of 2003, watched from the sidelines and expressed the view of many in attendance.

"This game means tradition.  Every year you wanted to see this game, the hits, the sounds, the peoplem" he said. "It's priceless."

Don Robertson played in the game in 1949 as a running back and was Athlete of the Year at Millburn that year.

"We did pretty well in '49; we won," he said. "...Millburn was a great place to play, a great school. For many years after I graduated, I couldn't wait to come back and see this game. It was always a good football game. It was always very exciting."

For the teams and their fans, it's also about football.

"This is a chance to win 11 games; we set high goals each year and we want to be 12-0," said Madison coach Chris Kubik, "and this is another chance to play football and that is what we love to do."

Millburn coach Carmen Guarino wanted his team to have "our playoff game; this is our state championship."  He added, "For us, this is our last 48 minutes.  So for the seniors that are putting on the pads for the last time, this is the last 48 minutes."

The game showed the power the Dodgers bring to the field with two touchdowns by Madison's Carson Lassiter, two more by Justin Goodwin and another by Shone Register were the evidence needed.

Next Friday evening at 7 p.m, Madison will play for the NJSIAA North Section 2, Group 2 State Championship against Summit (11-0)at Kean University.