Mark Helfrich couldn’t recall a specific childhood memory from a Civil War game, but he fondly spoke about his experience with his family watching the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers battle.

“We came to a few (Civil War games) but it seemed like there was always something going on, whether it was a game or something that my brother and I have,” Helfrich said after Wednesday’s practice. “But I remember sitting at the bleachers at Parker Stadium. It wasn’t very full and it was pouring down rain.”

Oregon State’s Parker Stadium is now Reser Stadium and Helfrich is now the head coach for Oregon, so Friday’s game against the Beavers will not be the relaxing experience it once was for him decades ago. Helfrich and the Ducks will look to win their 10th game in a season for the sixth straight year, and although the Beavers have a 6-5 record, Helfrich expects them to be a tough test. He said he’s especially impressed with quarterback Sean Mannion.

“Physically, he’s got the tools of a great quarterback,” Helfrich said. “A big – physically – guy. A big arm. He’s got a clean release.”

Mannion might not be Oregon State’s most dangerous offensive weapon, either.

“Obviously, having (wide receiver) Brandin Cooks is a helpful thing to be a quarterback,” Helfrich said.

Across the sideline from Helfrich on Friday will be Mike Riley, the Beavers head coach who, like Helfrich, is an Oregon native. Helfrich said it’s impressive that two coaches from the same state are now coaching at rival schools in that state.

“Is there any place like that?” Helfrich asked a reporter. “I don’t know of any rivalry situation where both guys are from the same state, so that’s a neat deal.”

Before the Civil War kicks off, though, the Ducks will celebrate Thanksgiving. After practice on Thursday, Helfrich said they’ll try to get everyone out fairly quickly and make sure players have a place to eat, whether it’s with their families, another player or with a position coach.

“[We’ll] bump back meetings a little later tomorrow night and all of the coaches will try to get home and have some family time,” Helfrich said.

Helfrich sounded excited for the time he’ll spend with his family on Thursday, where he’ll chow down on some turkey (he said he prefers white meat) and all of the other Thanksgiving treats. However, when asked what his favorite Thanksgiving dish is, his answer was as specific as his childhood memories of Civil War games.

“I like everything,” he said. “I’ll eat.”

Follow Victor Flores on Twitter @vflores415