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Turkey Bowl XII
In 2011 the TFL combatants hoped that they could right the Turkey Bowl's wayward ship. Lou Turk's Deviled Eggs, led by captain Ian Hart, and Hoagiefest, captained by Mark Marcelli, believed that they had the right ingredients to cook a devastatingly tasty and cutthroat match-up. On November 24, 2011, they were proved correct as TB XII became the first game in TFL history to make use of overtime. Turkey Bowl XII began on much different circumstances than its predecessors. The pre-game party was abandoned and a traditional coin-flip replaced the usual flip-cup tournament to decide possession. With three TB-babies in the mix, coupled with work and family complications, it became more feasible for TFL members to treat the game as a single day affair rather than a long-term event. Nonetheless, the game and atmosphere lived up to any pre-game hype that, though non-existent, could have been created, not by a lack of trying on Tim Doc's part. Hoagiefest, although not receiving first possession, would be the first to dent the scoreboard. Quarterback Tim Dougherty found WR's Mark Marcelli and Kevin Rayer for the game's inaugural scores. The Wawa brethren would quickly jump to a two-score lead. Lou Turk's Deviled Eggs, comprised of the strip clubs' obvious A-squad in comparison to what usually swings on the Essington poles, would not sit in silence at the surmounting Hoagiefest lead. QB Mike Trill, after throwing an interception on his first pass from scrimmage, suddenly found his groove and hooked-up with Ian Hart for two first-half scores. Hoagiefest, now feeling the pressure and loss of momentum, looked to end Lou Turk's onslaught by taking a solid lead into the half, and did so when Mark Marcelli and Kevin Rayer found the end zone for a second time. Lou Turk's would find themselves down by two-scores at the midway point as Hoagiefest owned a 4-2 lead. The second-half of TB XII would be better called "The Mike Trill Show". Trill, backed by a superb Lou Turk's defensive effort highlighted by two Paul Middleton interceptions, a ravaging defensive-line performance on the part of Tony Laughlin, Keith Cottom, and Tom Orio, and coverage by defensive backs Hart, Middleton, and Chris Crooks, would have the ball in his possession often. He did the most with the time he had. Trill threw for five touchdowns in the second-half alone, out-performing his Hoagiefest counterpart by three TD's; Tim Dougherty, despite excellent efforts by Mike Bucella and Bill Pohlig, was constantly hassled in the pocket and unable to find a rhythm. Dougherty would find Rayer and Rich DiNofia for scores, but, in an amazing show of speed and quickness, coupled with an amazing show of laziness from the Lou Turk's coverage, Kevin Rayer would serve as Hoagiefest's greatest offensive asset as he dodged, ducked, dipped, dived, and dodged through oncoming tacklers to return a punt for a touchdown. The Lou Turk's turn-around and the faltering of Hoagiefest brought a first for the TFL as regulation ended: A tie game (7-7). Overtime loomed. As the teams met at the overtime line near Michigan Avenue it was more than evident that exhaustion had set-in. Lineman, asked to battle it out in the trenches for over two-hours, were bruised and battered, while receivers and coverage backs had legs under them that resembled the softest spaghetti. Tired and weak, the combatants used the adrenaline created by the TFL's first overtime appearance to fuel their desires and physical prowess. Hoagiefest would go on the offensive first. They would have four downs to find pay dirt and move one step closer to TB XII victory. As the teams huddled to prepare for the carnage that would ensue, Hoagiefest broke to send a different front to the line of scrimmage. Matt Marcelli, who had served well throughout the game as a possession receiver and in coverage, would join Bill Pohlig to complete the squad's front two. Split out wide, taking Matt's place, was none other than Mike "Tuna" Bucella. Bucella would cause a coverage nightmare and, in only one play, would take a Tim Dougherty pass to the house. The pressure was now all on Lou Turk's; score and they would force a second overtime, fail and they would see the Dickey "Township" Trophy fall into Hoagiefests' hands. The situation was a heavy one, and Mike Trill knew if he wanted to keep his team afloat he'd have to go to his premier receiver Ian Hart. Ian, as he did in tying the game near the end of regulation, would not disappoint. Hart would find the end zone for the fifth time and knot the score at 8-8. The Lou Turk's offense, which coincidentally was made up of the same players on the Lou Turk's defense, would remain on the field to start the second overtime period. Much like their first overtime connection, Trill and Hart would hook-up again for a score and the lead. They hoped that this touchdown would be the game winner, but those hopes were destroyed by the fourth down heroics of Tim Dougherty and Kevin Rayer. Hoagiefest, with their backs against the wall, would rise to the occasion. With ample time and receivers flying all over the field, Dougherty would find Kevin Rayer for the equalizer. The second overtime would end tied 9-9. Dreading a third overtime with a similar outcome of those prior, the Lou Turk's defense took to the field with a Ralph Batty-esque defensive force. The Deviled Eggs' defense would sack Dougherty and force three incomplete passes, sending the Hoagiefest offense packing and putting the pressure on the Mark Marcelli led defense. Hoagiefest, much like the situation that Lou Turk's was looking at in the first overtime, now was in the midst of a sink or swim scenario; stop the Lou Turk's offense or allow a score, leading to demise. Unfortunately for Hoagiefest, the latter would be true. Mike Trill would find Paul Middleton in the back of the end zone and, after a ball bobbling that looked nearly like an incomplete pass, Middleton would secure both the ball and the win for Lou Turk's Deviled Eggs. Turkey Bowl XII would end 10-9 in Lou Turk's favor. Mike Trill and Ian Hart were named Co-MVP's. Win or lose, TB XII fathered a number of achievements. WR/DB Kevin Rayer continued his multi-score game streak. Rayer has now scored multiple touchdowns in six straight games. For the third time in five years Tim Dougherty threw for eight or more touchdowns. Mark Marcelli had his first multi-touchdown game since 2006. Mike Trill, with 10 touchdown passes, surpassed the single-game record in that category. Chris Crooks solidified his first Turkey Bowl victory after an 0-4 streak. Ian Hart, who won his second consecutive MVP award, broke the record for TD catches in a game. With TB XII over there are a few questions that the commissioners must ponder in the off-season. Will Ian Hart, who was a captain this past year, be allowed to draft for a second year in a row? Should the captains be this year's Co-MVP's even though the two do not line-up position wise? Could we see a return of a Mike Trill - Tim Dougherty draft in 2012? All will be decided at the next 100 Days Meeting, but, until then, thanks for another great year of TFL football and Tim "Mystery Poster" Dougherty can go fuck himself. In parting, I'd like to personally touch on the brotherhood, as it has been called, the TFL embodies. This year each of us made a gesture, regardless of how small, towards one of our members, friend, and brother. I think I would be remiss if I did not note how touching it was that this tiny, but extremely meaningful gesticulation reflected on our organization and the person and family it was directed towards. In addition, it is important that we acknowledge just how much the game and each other so fondly and accurately illustrate how important our friendships have become. It has been twelve years since the inception of Turkey Bowl football, and with each passing year there are some of you whom I grow closer to and some whom I speak to less and less. Regardless of the frequency of our bond, or the matter in which it changes, we should all be reminded and recognize that it is rare in this world to find friends who have stayed so close and sincere through time, trials, and tribulations. Each of you have made me smile, made me frown, made me happy, and downright pissed me off, as I'm sure I have done to you, but it is refreshing to know and see that through the tough times we encounter as a group or individually that, at least once a year, we can put it all aside and enjoy the time we have and the time to come. It is nice to know that regardless of the hand that we are dealt, there exists this group who is always, without question or excuse, there to provide a kind word, act, or smile. This year more than any, not because of the game itself, will always stand as a reminder of our solidarity. |
Countdown to Turkey Bowl XXVII
2015
2014
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2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
• TB IX: It Only Takes One Or Two • Turkey Bowl IX News And Notes • 9 & 9 for Turkey Bowl IX • 5 Questions That Need Answers • The Day TFL Football Will Go To Hell • TB IX Draft Diary • Carmen-IZERS vs Bad Loads: Mock D... • 2008 Draft Preview • Captain Carmens vs. Captain Kia • The TFL. . . Look How Far We've Come • BNK Spells Bad Newz for the Sand ... 2007
2006
2005
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