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By: Brendan McDonough

Reporter for North Tonawanda

For fans on both sides of the canal, the matchup between the Tonawanda Warrior’s and North Tonawanda Lumberjacks was a game they have been waiting months to see.

The stands were packed with fans screaming for their favorite team to win. It may be just high school football game, but for these fans it’s the biggest sporting event of the year

“We have been competing against North Tonawanda for years and years,” said  Abagail Streeter, Tonawanda Resident. “I used to go to North Tonawanda High School and graduated in 2004. It was fun then and it is really fun to compete against each other.”

It is the 109th time the two football teams have met with North Tonawanda winning the prior seventeen meetings. Tonawanda fans believed this would be the year that would change.

“I hate losing to these guys every year and hopefully this year will be different,” said Brian Stich, Tonawanda Resident. “Hopefully this will be the year we can do it.

The game was scoreless after the first three quarters. Tonawanda was able to come close a couple of times – leaving fans of both teams on the edge of their seats – but could not convert.

“This is a rivalry that has existed for years,” said Joe Caporicci, North Tonawanda Resident. “I am going to tell you hands down North Tonawanda is going to clean house.”

But no matter what the outcome, fans say they come year after year to enjoy the excitement and celebrate team spirit regardless of who the winner is.

“The school spirit is infectious and it is great to reminisce about the friendships we all had back in high school,” said Kathy McPartle, North Tonawanda Resident.

With just seconds to go, Joe Caporicci scored the winning touchdown for North Tonawanda propelling the Lumberjacks to a 7-0 win over their rivals across the canal.

Head coach Eric Jantzi says the last-minute decision to go for it on 4th down was a game changer.

“I am glad we won and that the senior’s won it,” said Jantzi. “We ran around it on that last play. Hats off to Tonawanda they did a great job. I think both defenses were outstanding.”

As result of the win, the City of Tonawanda Common Council President Jenna Koch will have to wear a North Tonawanda hat at the City’s next common council meeting after losing a bet made earlier this week to North Tonawanda Alderman-At-Large Austin Tylec.