What You Need to Know About Reading's 2013 Turkey Bowl

The Reading Memorial High School football team may not be heading to the Super Bowl this year. But the Rockets can still go out on a high note. Here are five things you need to know to get ready for this year's Thanksgiving Day game against Stoneham.

1. Who, What, When and Where: Reading plays in its annual contest against Stoneham on Thursday at 10 a.m. This year the Rockets host the game at Reading Memorial High School, and hope to close out the year on a winning note.

2. Looking at the Rockets: Reading enters the game with a record of 7-2 this year. The Rockets had Super Bowl expectations entering the season, but couldn't quite reach the big game as they fell to Waltham, 28-22, in the North Division 2 semifinal game. The locals bounced back with a 19-9 win over Haverhill in a non-playoff contest on November 15.

3. Scouting Stoneham: The Spartans enter Thursday's game with a record of 5-5 on the year. Stoneham comes into the game on a two-game winning streak after taking down Newburyport and Hamilton-Wenham in non-playoff action.

4. Senior Sendoff: Thursday marks the end of the road for a strong group of Rocket seniors. Quarterback Drew Belcher leads the team behind center for the final time, and is joined on the field for the final time by players like Rob DiLoreto and Liam Kenneally. 

5. Patch Coverage: Patch will be on the sideline taking photos of the game, the crowd, and everything happening on Thanksgiving morning. So be sure to check back in case you aren't able to take in the scene yourself.