The Cranston West football team would pick up a 28-26 win over rival East on Thanksgiving Day, improving its all-time series lead to 26-24 and extending its win streak to four against the Bolts.

East would get its first lead of the day when Armand Reed scored with six minutes remaining in regulation to make it 26-22. The West offense was led down the field by quarterback Kelan Cornell, and Anthony Salas would find the end zone three minutes later to score the game-winning touchdown.

“It was a great high school football game. I’m proud of our kids, they battled. There was a little let down in the second and third quarters, but our kids kept playing and they rallied,” said West head coach Tom Milewski.

West took an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter on rushing touchdowns from Salas and Cornell.

East quarterback Jayden Chagnon connected with Reed on a 28-yard score, followed by a 2-point conversion on an A’Driahn Foreman run to make it a one-score game early in the second quarter.

Cornell connected with Salas for a touchdown pass, then Cornell rushed for two to make it 22-8. East would respond again, though, as Reed hauled in another touchdown pass to make it 22-14 at the break.

Michael Terry intercepted a Cornell pass in the final minutes of the second quarter to end the ensuing Falcon threat.

Reed scored once again in the third after a 65-yard rush by Foreman to make it a one-score game heading into the fourth.

Cornell and Reed earned Offensive MVP Awards after the game while Terry and Jack Majcher took home the defensive honors.

Milewski has been thrilled with Cornell’s progression under center this fall.

“Kelan Cornell has really stepped up into a leadership role and led us down the field with some big runs. He made some nice throws and was a spark plug on offense for us. He improved each week and things are looking good for him moving into the off-season,” said Milewski, who was also impressed by Reed, who emerged as one of the state’s best freshmen this season. “That kid is a ball player. He’s an athlete, he runs good routes, has good hands. We knew we were going to be in a battle with him and he made some nice plays. He won some contested catches. He did a nice job, I was very impressed with that young man.”

Although the Falcons were excited to pick up another rivalry win on Thanksgiving, they were most proud to be a part of a historic matchup while also being able to honor the seniors one last time.

“It was more just getting out there and seeing the seniors play one more game. We’re fortunate to be able to play our intercity rival. We like Cranston East until we play them. It’s a nice rivalry and we’re lucky because most teams don’t have a true rival,” said Milewski. “Our seniors were terrific young men. They worked hard and were all leaders. It’s bittersweet seeing the end for them. The night before we had our senior speeches and they all touched on how fast it goes by. I’m glad for them.”