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The "Hilda" is held in possession by the Attleboro High School Bombardiers.

The symbol of supremacy on Thanksgiving Day between the football teams representing North Attleboro and Attleboro High was wrestled from the Rocketeers hands last year (by a 12-10 margin), ending a reign of 13 consecutive successes on the holiday by the Big Red.

If the Bombardiers and Matt Campbell can remain in possession of the football, Attleboro has a good chance to retain rights to the "Hilda" Thursday morning (10) at Beaupre Field on the campus of NAHS.

But, if the Rocketeers and quarterback Joe Kummer can run with the ball, throw and catch it as they have demonstrated, North Attleboro might win for the 55th time in the 89th renewal of the series.

"It's going to be a great football game," related Attleboro High football coach Kevin Deschenes. "Both teams have a lot to offer," said North Attleboro High coach Don Johnson.

The Rocketeers (7-3) come into the game having won three straight - beating Sharon, Mansfield and Canton - scoring 90 points in the process.

The Bombardiers (5-5) enter the game having won two of their last three outings - beating Bishop Feehan and Dartmouth. Since suffering its lone shutout of the season in a loss to Darien, Conn., AHS has put 84 points on the scoreboard over the past three games.

The Bombardiers beat the Rocketeers at Tozier-Cassidy Field last Thanksgiving, ending a virtual monopoly on "Hilda" by North Attleboro over the past quarter century.

In the series, North Attleboro has a 54-27-8 advantage. North also won a Super Bowl matchup in 1998.

"They have a lot of weapons," offered Johnson of the Bombardiers - the power running of Campbell, the running and throwing of QB Nate Robitaille, the speed on the flanks with A.J Hoose and Abiola Aborishade, the breakaway threats of Tim Reading and J.J. Jalaoso.

"They're a very balanced team," recited Deschenes of the list of offensive catalysts in Rocketeer uniforms: The dual threat of Kummer, the triumvirate of running backs - Danny Lang, Danny Johnson and Brett Mastropoll - the potential for receivers Steve Sellner, Evan Dean and Ryan Flannery to take a turn upfield with every catch.

"Kummer throws the ball well and he's like another running back," added Deschenes of the 5-foot-10 senior who has thrown for 11 touchdowns and rushed for seven more. "For us to beat North Attleboro, we have to stop their passing attack, we have to contain him (Kummer) - we have to slow him down."

North's concern is not just to slow the 6-foot-1, 225-pound Campbell (18 touchdowns) down, but to cover the rest of the Bombardier bases. "It's not just Campbell," said Johnson. "He can pound you at any time. Robitaille can throw the ball or take off at any time. And if (Ryan) Araujo plays, he gives them an extra dimension - he makes people miss." Araujo, a junior running back-receiver-returner, came down with the chicken pox, then mononucleosis and his availability may be determined before kickoff.

"We've been running the ball on offense and not giving up long or big plays on defense," said Johnson of the Rocketeers, who have three shutouts defensively on the season. "The games that we lost, we were in three tough games (a two-pointer to Foxboro and one-TD games with Franklin and King Philip)," he continued. "They were all by one score or less. One play here or there could have turned those games around." Most typically, North does not have many massive linemen, thereby relying on skill, finesse and execution. "In some situations this year, physically we've been outmuscled - these kids have given us everything, but there's little margin for error," added Johnson.

North's prospects for a victory may lie in the prosperity of its offense. "Joe (Kummer) mixes it up well," added Johnson. "We have to stay balanced. We're not big enough that we can pound the ball down the field against a good team like Attleboro. We're going to have to block well on the perimeter."

The Bombardiers would very much like to keep the ball out of Kummer's hands. To do so, a balanced attack and controlling the clock would enhance their chances for victory. "Kummer had a great game (three TD passes) against Mansfield and because of their balance we'll have to play disciplined football," said Deschenes. "We have to do what we're supposed to do (on defense), keep them in front.

"The thing about North Attleboro is that they're quick (on offense) and they come at the ball quickly (defensively), so in order for us to have a good game, we have to stay on the field.

"Our running attack is where our strength is and their passing attack has been good, so it's quite a matchup. It's an emotional game, one all the players are excited to participate in.

"Our kids understand the significance of the game, the rivalry, the tradition and all that," added Deschenes.

"They want the trophy."