LYNN — Lynn Classical coach Brian Vaughan has seen his fair share of football games. From traditional rivalries to those unorthodox tournament matchups, the veteran playcaller has seen it all.

But throughout the years – Vaughan has coached the Rams since 2017 – there’s a reason he says, “No matter what, it’s always the most important game of the year.”

Vaughan, whose Rams sport a record of 3-7 through an injury-plagued season, is of course referring to Lynn Classical vs. Lynn English on Thanksgiving Day.

This year (10 a.m. at Manning Field) marks Thanksgiving game No. 111 between the two sides. Classical took last season’s showdown in a low-scoring final of 8-6.

“It’s one of the better traditions and rivalries in the state,” Vaughan said.

And this year, comes a twist. On the opposite sideline will be his cousin, Tyllor McDonald, in the midst of his debut season coaching the Bulldogs.

“I don’t know what it’s going to be like,” said McDonald, whose Bulldogs won six games and reached the Division 3 state tournament this fall. “I haven’t coached against him before as a head coach, but it’s exciting. He’s a super competitor – so am I. We are just going to try to put our teams in position to win, make plays, and make it an exciting game. Overall, it’s a good feeling, but obviously I want to win, so all the family stuff goes away when the game starts.”

McDonald was a Classical assistant for five years across two stints.

“I’m super excited and happy for the season that he had and the direction he is taking the program,” Vaughan said. “But obviously, on Thanksgiving, it’s the competitive nature of me and him and us being family. It’s going to be fun.”

One wears green and the other maroon, but both coaches want to bring that old-school tradition back to the rivalry.

“It has, kind of, died off the last few years, so I just want it to be what it was when I played and when I was growing up watching the game,” said McDonald, a former quarterback with the Bulldogs. “Obviously, those are Lynn kids, too, and we love them, but when it comes to this game, only one team comes out on top and you want it to be yours.”

As for the game itself, McDonald expects some of his playmakers to shine on the brightest stage. He pointed to quarterback Jaiden Rosario, wideout Shane Knowlton-Simard, and running back Xavier Beauchamp, among others.

On the other side, Vaughan pointed to his leading man in the backfield.

“We expect junior (Greater Boston League) All-Star running back Tyren Hoeun, who has rushed for over 1,300 yards this season and 10 touchdowns,” he said. “Javon Clayborn, a star receiver and defensive back who has missed most of the season due to injuries, is back.”

Only a few more sleeps remain, and you can bet the excitement is making its way through the City of Lynn.

“I’m super excited,” McDonald said. “I get to coach against my cousin, who is basically like another father figure to me. And just being able to bring the city out on Thanksgiving, it should be a good crowd. I can’t wait to get going. Even the few days before, leading up with the captains’ dinner and the pep rally with all the tradition that has been here.”

Vaughan couldn’t have agreed more.

“This is the game you talk about in July and June when you start your summer workouts and camp,” he said. “This is the game the kids have been waiting for all year, so the kids are excited and as coaches, we are excited. It’s the big one.”