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But too many Thanksgiving Day is about football High School and Professional. The memories of their own past careers or of fellow students are remembered. On Turkey Day, listen to the alumni surrounding the field. Yes, conversation goes back over 50 years of the athletic endeavors of our beloved Lions and Rams.

Fans remember the Lions at Pitman game when the Fran Ferry Team from GHS arrived wearing Titletown shirts. Fans talk of former 1971 Ram’s quarterback Steve Johnson faking a knee then running 60 yards for a TD. Fans will never agree who was the best football team in the City - 1971 Rams or 1971 Lions.

Thanksgiving Day Football is rich in debate and conversation. These debates are about the infamous and most popular plays and players. They remember the outstanding single and team performances.

How big was that goal line stand by Delsea when they held the Lion’s John Chiodi from talking the scoring title and finished the game 6 - 6? What about another Delsea game when a young Kevin Hagan came in to quarterback late in the game and immeditaly along with Jason Dunn challenged the Crusaders. Oh yes, we cannot forget Mike Blankenship against the Ram’s when he rushed for over 400 yards and scored 5 touchdowns. Remember the 1966 All South Jersey Football – Franco Harris (R. V. High School, Pittsburgh Steelers) Lydell Mitchell (Salem High School, Baltimore Colts) and Dave Light (Gloucester City).

Cleary’s Notebook / Gloucester City News have created much attention in the past when the memories of nicknames were published. We here at CNB will take a look at the top 10 most famous and infamous plays in both the Lions athletics through the years.

10 Lion’s Cross Country star Larry Schimelia winning the 1970 State Title

9 Lion’s Tight end Bill Rebstock fighting his way for a game winning TD

8 Lion’s basketball players DJ Havers and Chelsea Connors both reaching the 1,000 point in the same game.

7 Lion’s Sophomore Don Finch coming off the bench in the NJ State Basketball Finals and scoring 14 points.

6 Lion’s Mike Blankenship scoring 5 Td’s against GCHS

5 Lion’s Bob Weichmann scoring over 70 points in a game

4 Lion’s John Chiodi being stopped at the goal line in Delsea

3 Lion’s – Penns Grove 2007 scoring 16 points in final 1:57 to win on the day the GHS Honored Mark Ryan

2 The GHS Softball program from 1995 to 2009

1 Shot heard around the World . John Gola’s 0:10 sec blocked shot that gave Dick Vitale’s East Rutherford team the Championship

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