On Thanksgiving Day, Medfield and Dover-Sherborn will renew acquaintances on the gridiron in the annual end of the season clash between the two Tri-Valley League rivals. But this year’s game will also bring the two sides together in a common fight against hunger in the community.

Medfield High senior George Sawan and D-S senior Will McMillen have arranged a collection at the Thanksgiving Day game, which is annually the biggest crowd of the season, to support the Medfield Food Cupboard.

The Food Cupboard helps families in and around Medfield keep food on the table and, especially during the holiday season and over the winter, it needs the community’s support to make that mission happen.

To help the cause, McMillen and Sawan are asking that each fan bring one non-perishable food item to the game on Thursday, Nov. 26.

“We never know, any of us, what is going to happen in our lives and it could be that someday we will be the ones that need a little help,” said Sawan.

“During the holiday times things can be especially tough for these families as they try to make things a little more happy and festive without a lot of resources.”

Although Sawan and McMillen have not met, the two seniors are spearheading the Thanksgiving game effort and are turning it into a friendly rivalry to see which set of fans will donate the most.

Sawan explained, “It may seem like just a small gesture but small gestures add up and create stronger communities.”

“We may be different towns and sports rivals but we all want the same outcome, to support and help those in need.”

Among the items that the Food Cupboard is requesting are chili, beef stew, assorted soups, canned chicken and beef, baked beans, pasta sauces, tomato products, canned pineapple, raisins, large juices, canned vegetables (especially corn, carrots, and peas), sweet and salty snacks, and kid-friendly cereal.

For more information and the full list of items that the Food Cupboard needs, visit http://www.medfieldfoodcupboard.org.

Every year, the battle between the Raiders and the Warriors is significant, but for Sawan this season means a little more because of the off-the-field losses that his teammates have fought through this fall.

“I have been inspired by my teammates and how they have handled their losses. A win would mean everything to us, and I know I am going to play my hardest to make sure that happens, but even if we lose, we know we still have each other to lean on.”