The remarkable thing, as if a ten year term isn't enough, is the fact that, unlike many things, the Turkey Bowl hasn't aged, per say, in those ten years, but has grown bigger, better, and stronger. I guess, if I were trying to make comparisons, the Turkey Bowl could only be described in likeness to a fine wine, which, as we all know, only gets better with age. The complete opposite of ourselves, who find that age only brings a smaller sperm and hair count and a larger waist line. But I digress to fonder, more pertinent business.
On Thursday, November 26, 2009, TFL members engaged themselves in an anniversary celebration. This "celebration" was conducted in the only way any TFL member knows how: Play football. For our ten year anniversary, we brought back the greatest team format to ever grace the Turkey Bowl: Old School vs. New School. It was a team format that we had all come to love and enjoy and, in all likelihood, probably the best format in which players really felt true allegiance to their team. It would be the first time since Turkey Bowl VI, and the fourth time overall, that these teams would meet.
In the three previous meetings of Old School vs. New School, the older contingent of TFL patrons walked away with two victories and held a 2-1 edge in the overall series. Heading into Turkey Bowl X the Old School delegation’s confidence was high, believing that they could possibly gain a lopsided advantage over their counterparts. Evidently, though, Old School was very mistaken. New School walked off Pritchard Field on that fateful Thursday in November of 2009 as the victors, tying the series at two games a piece with an overwhelming 10-4 victory.
It was a game of mismatches, openly admitted by both sides. Old School would have to find a way to combat New School's speed and athleticism at the Wide Receiver and Defensive Back positions. And, as unlikely and impossible as it seemed, there were times where it appeared as though Old School would and could do it. But, holding the physical edge, there was New School, who delivered the much needed defensive and offensive advances to delay and squash the Old School attack. For every inch Old School would gain both on the scoreboard and field, New School would find a way to leverage a yard in their favor.
Mark Marcelli puts New School up 2-0
New School would answer with conviction. Trill would again throw two consecutive touchdown passes. Kevin Rayer made his second visit to the end zone midway through the first half, and was followed shortly after by teammate Paul Middleton. The New School front of Tuna Bucella, Keith Cottom, and Jon Hart supplied QB Mike Trill with all the time he needed and more, allowing him to build upon a one-touchdown lead and put New School up 4-1. Things were beginning to look dim for Old School, and, the one touchdown deficit they had created not long ago turned into a three-touchdown mountain to climb.
Old School was down at this point, but not entirely out. QB Tim Dougherty again used a short and concise passing attack to put Old School at the gates. On their way down the field, Old School wide receivers Matt Marcelli, Bill Pohlig, and Chris Crooks would catch pass after pass and Tony Laughlin, Tom Orio, and Joe Simcox would provide Dougherty with the much needed time to dissect the New School secondary. The promising Old School drive would end in New School’s end zone, but, unfortunately, not with a touchdown. Dougherty, looking to hit Crooks on an up and out pattern, had his pass intercepted by New School defensive back and eventual Turkey Bowl X MVP Kevin Rayer. Rayer, intercepting the ball in his own end zone, would tiptoe down the sideline all the way to pay dirt and a 5-1 New School lead.
With little time remaining in the half, Old School mustered everything they had left. Dougherty again would lead his team downfield, a race against an overwhelming deficit and the clock. Moments before the half would end Dougherty found Bill Pohlig on a deep route for the score. The half would end New School 5, Old School 2.
The themes of halftime would differ for each team. Smiles and the idea of building upon the lead converged upon the New School huddle, while signs of distress and tactical changes came down upon Old School: What could they do to get back in this game? The answer was simple: Score. They would do just that. Old School would be the first to crack the scoreboard in the second half, as Dougherty again found Pohlig in the end zone. 5-3, the scoreboard read, and things began to look up for the elder statesmen. But, for how long?
Not long at all. New School would open up a three touchdown run on their opponents. Trill found Keith Cottom, Rayer, and Ian Hart for scores and the appearance of a competitive game began to whither once again. The score was now 8-3 in favor of New School and, as the New School scoring increased, the hopes of Old School decreased accordingly.
Old School would do their best to turn things around, but panic had set in. Dougherty and Old School abandoned their short, possession passing strategy and started taking long looks downfield. It would payoff when Matt Marcelli reached the end zone, but, overall, it would help lead to the team's ultimate downfall. New School would answer the Dougherty – Marcelli score with two of its own, both scored by Kevin Rayer, upping his touchdown total to six overall (5 receiving touchdowns and one pick-six).
Shortly after Rayer's final score the game would come to an end and New School would walk off the field the victors, handing Old School a 10-4 loss. Overall, despite the score, the game itself was competitive at times, and every participant did their best to help their team. Rookie Joe Simcox left it all on the field. Old School's Sean Kelly played more in Turkey Bowl X than any other he participated in. New School's Ian Hart continued his growth as a TFL member. And Kevin Rayer proved that, no matter how much he weighs, he is a threat none the less.
With ten year in the bag we're left with questions. Where do we go from here? Is this the last time Old School and New School will meet? Will retirement announcements be made soon? I guess, to answer those questions, there is only one fitting response: I really don’t know. Honestly, no matter what happens concerning the TFL and the Turkey Bowl, whether it continues to grow or begins to fade, did any of us really think it would make it this far, become what it has become? No. We've outdone ourselves. A game that began as pick-up football has turned into something more than any of us can put into words. It is something we look forward to, not just as a game, but as a meeting of friends, a way to stay in touch, to continue friendships that, honestly, many of us were not sure would stand the test of time. We are the Turkey Bowl, and the Turkey Bowl is us. And, as I write this article, many months after Turkey Bowl X has passed, I look at the calendar on my computer and realize that the 100 Days Meeting will be here before we know it, and, sooner than I expected, it will be Turkey Bowl season again.