The Cranberry Bowl Championship Game

November 6, 2026

Hi guys,

Another dominant victory by the Bridgewater State football team over Fitchburg State last Saturday, 45-22, puts them in first place in the MASCAC standings with one game remaining. After a bye this week, the Bears will face Mass Maritime Academy Saturday, Nov. 14th, at home, with a 12:00 p.m. kickoff in the 47th Annual Cranberry Bowl.

Read about the last game: Bears Power Past Fitchburg, Keep Championship Hopes in Its Control – Bridgewater St.

The Cranberry Bowl was organized and developed by Coach Mazzaferro, with the first game played in 1979. Coach proudly reminded everybody that it was the first bowl game played in the country every year. BSU holds a 34-11-1 record through the first 46 years, and the game has developed into a great tradition and rivalry between the two schools.

This Game Is for It All

The winner of this game will be the 2026 MASCAC champion and receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Div. 3 playoffs. The Bears haven’t won the championship outright since 2016, though they were tri-champs in 2023. This year’s game will be one of the biggest in BSU football history in a long time, and the team deserves our support to help close out a great season.

Please Wear Red

To show our added support, the team has asked to make this a RED OUT game. That simply means for all those going to the game, please wear red to show your support, similar to Penn State’s white out or the Oklahoma/Texas orange and red rivalry. Everyone still has another week to make plans to attend if possible, so please wear red.

Join Us for the 47th Cranberry Bowl

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Coach Peter Mazzaferro Field, Edward C. Swenson Athletic Complex

Tent opens at 11 a.m.; game starts at 12 p.m.

  • $30.00 per person 21+
  • Includes tailgate buffet and one drink, cash bar thereafter

Please remember to buy tickets to the alumni tent provided by the university, where food, beverage, and a cash bar will be available.

REGISTER HERE

Thank you,

Bill Nixon
508-889-2305
billnixon33@comcast.net