From Gridiron Glory to Community Tradition — A Norwood Perspective
📜 Introduction
Every Thanksgiving morning, before the turkey hits the oven, Norwood residents gather with unmatched anticipation—not just for family and food, but for football. The annual Norwood vs. Dedham game is more than a contest; it’s a ritual, a rite of passage, and a living thread in the town’s historical tapestry. With over 100 years of matchups, this rivalry has shaped generations, forged community pride, and offered unforgettable moments of triumph and heartbreak.
According to our records, there have been 96 meetings between Norwood and Dedham over the past 105 years. Norwood leads the all-time series, with notable victories like the 49–29 win in 2021, a dramatic 15–12 edge in 2023.
Last year, Norwood varsity football team won the 2024 matchup vs. Dedham by a score of 35-13, and now lead the all-time series 53-41-2.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. From the muddy fields of the 1920s to the televised showdowns of the 1990s, Norwood’s journey through this rivalry is a reflection of its resilience, camaraderie, and love for the game.
1921
1921 – Norwood Defeats Dedham 21 to 6 (click for the story)
1938
1938 – Norwood Stays Undefeated With Thanksgiving Win Over Dedham
1942
1942- Norwood, Dedham Battle to Scoreless Tie (click for the story)
1946- Fans Stone Officials As Dedham Tops Norwood (click for the story)
1948
Front Row (left to right) Bob Hynes, Bob Ivatts, Pete Laslnskas, and Frank Malacari.
Back row (left to right) Al Butters, Art Gulla, and Joe Sparrow. (McLean Photo)
1950
Front row (left to right) : Kenny Sykes, LHB, Thomas Maduski, RE, James Donahue, Guard;- Frank Bartucca, RT; Jerry King, RG, William Lynch, C; Stanley Babinski, C; Salvie DeRose, LHB; Fred Parkinson, RHB; Joseph Minkivitch, RT; Daniel Cushman, LE
Rear row ( left to right) : Coach “Andy” Scafati, John Hinds, RE; John Drummey, RHB; Ted Travers, FB; Nicholas Puopolo, G, Gene Murphy, E; Peter Lane, QB, William Hart, G; James Conley, G; George Fitzgerald, Jr, LHB; Robert Ruscitti, G; and Asst. Coach, William Donovan. (McLean Photo)
1951 – Norwood Topples Dedham 12-0, First Time Since 1939 (click for the story)
1953 – Norwood Dedicates Murray Field With 27-2 Triumph (click for the story)
1955
1958 – Norwood Shuts Out Dedham For 8th Straight Thanksgiving Win (click for the story)
1964
In the line (left to right) : Gene Ostergren, Pete Barry, Capt. Rich Santospago, F rank Danieli, John Solomon, Copt Bill McNamara, and Mike Griffin.
No. 14 behind the center is Quarterback Jim Sweeney
Back row. Head Coach Art Gulla, Vito Anello, Tom Donovan, Jack Lanzoni, Line Coach Frank Jacques, and Backfield Coach John Bamberry
1965
1969 – Norwood Tips Dedham (click for the story)
1977 – Norwood Earns Super Bowl Title Berth with 22-6 Win Over Dedham (click for the story)
1979 – Norwood Captures Bay State Title With 26-14 Victory over Dedham (click for the story)
1980 – Norwood’s 28-8 Win Over Dedham Earns Another Super Bowl Title Berth (click for the story)
1981 – Norwood Defeats Dedham 33-6 For Its 32nd Win in the Series (click for the story)
1986 – Norwood 15, Dedham 8 (click for the story)
1993 – Norwood Tops Dedham 14-6 (click for the story)
1996 – Fourth Quarter Pick Six Leads Norwood Over Dedham 31-25 (click for the story)
2000 – Honor Mark For Norwood As they Defeat Dedham 42-13 (click for the story)
2001 – Norwood Is Untouchable (click for the story)
2004 – Four Rushing Touchdowns Propel Norwood Over Dedham 39-7 (click for the story)
2005 – Norwood Scores Four Rushing Touchdowns For The Second Straight Year, Earns 27-24 Win (click for the story)
2006 – Mustangs Pull Off Victory 12 – 7 (click for the story)
2007 – Norwood 23, Dedham 6 (click for the story)
2008 – Blowout as Norwood Tops Dedham 47 – 14 (click for the story)
2010 – Strong Norwood Running Game The Difference In 34 -19 Thanksgiving Win (click for the story)
2011 – Mustangs Crush the Marauders 48 – 18
2012 – Impressive 41 – 6 Blowout For Norwood (click for the story)
2014 – Last Minute Score Leads Mustangs To Victory 19 – 18 (click for the story)
2023
Share your Norwood High School football articles, photos and memories @ george@norwoodhistoricalsociety.org
🏈 Turkey, touchdowns, and town pride. If this post brought back memories, share it with someone who still cheers for Norwood blue or Dedham maroon.