Thanksgiving Day rivalry returns
Easton’s Marcus Williams, a captain, a two-way starter and one of the top all-around football players in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, feared his season could be over when he suffered an ankle injury in the Red Rovers’ 26-21 win over Liberty in mid-October.
He was angry. He was frustrated. He was upset.
But, thanks to a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck, Williams will return to Easton’s lineup at full strength for Thursday’s Thanksgiving Day game against Phillipsburg. Kickoff for the historic 114th meeting of the cross-river, cross-state archrivals is set for 10:30 a.m. at Lafayette College’s Fisher Stadium.
Easton and Phillipsburg did not play a season ago as the pandemic forced a late cancellation. Easton leads the series, 66-42-5, and owns five wins in a row.
Coach Jeff Braido’s Red Rovers, who were eliminated from the District 11 Class 6A tournament by eventual champion Freedom, enter with a 5-4 overall record. The Stateliners, who lost to Clifton in the NJSIAA North Group 5 playoffs, are 6-4.
A healthy Williams is a huge advantage for Easton.
One of the most dangerous and electrifying runners in the EPC and District 11, Williams goes into the game against Phillipsburg with 755 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns on only 87 carries. He averages a robust 8.7 yards per carry. Williams was injured in the first half of the Red Rovers’ win over Liberty and did not play vs. Emmaus or Nazareth. He returned in the playoff game against Freedom, but exited after gaining just a yard on four carries.
“I’m really excited to play my first game in a while where I’m 100 percent,” said Williams, who expects to start at running back but is uncertain if he’ll play on defense. “I’m looking to play very well on Thursday.”
Williams grew up watching the EastonP’burg game every Thanksgiving. He had two older brothers play for the Red Rovers and estimates he’s seen about a dozen of the 113 matchups in his lifetime.
Of course, Williams has always wanted to leave his legacy in the series.
But last year, COVID-19 canceled the annual contest and this year he thought his injury might cause him to miss the game.
“It felt odd to not have football on Thanksgiving,” Williams said. “I’ve always looked forward to playing in it, then I thought I wasn’t going to get to this year either. It was frustrating and I was upset.”
Braido, for one, is thrilled to have his No. 1 running back return to the lineup.
Easton remains a run-first team and Williams allows the Red Rovers to be explosive in the running game. He also
“It felt odd to not have football on Thanksgiving. I’ve always looked forward to playing in it, then I thought I wasn’t going to get to this year either. It was frustrating and I was upset.”
opens up the passing attack triggered by senior quarterback Cole Transue.
“It’s great for us,” said Braido, in his fifth season as head coach. “We know how well Marcus was running the ball. He looks really good on the practice field. Everyone knows what type of back Marcus is but he’s also a weapon on special teams.
“Being out was tough on him, especially after what we went through last year. I give Marcus all the respect, he’s worked really hard to be out there again. It’s great to see him with that big old smile on his face again.”
If the Red Rovers want big old smiles on their faces after Thursday’s game, they better be ready to stop — or at least slow — Phillipsburg’s potent rushing attack.
The Stateliners, coached by Frank Duffy, have amassed 1,786 yards rushing in 10 games. Senior Ria’Quan Dixon leads the balanced attack with 570 yards and four touchdowns. Junior Xavier Moore has 429 yards and six touchdowns.
P’burg has passed for only 425 yards this season.
“They want to run the football probably more than any team we played all year,” Braido said. “They run a lot of two tight end sets, with a big fullback who runs well and a couple of different running back they rotate in and out. Their quarterback has been running as well. We’ve got to make sure we shut down the run game and stand up to them up front.”
A win would be a great way for Williams, and the other Red Rover seniors, to end their careers at Easton.
“I just want to help my team the best way I can,” Williams said, “and walk off the field a winner.”
— Easton running back Marcus Williams