Boy's Football: Welcome

A View From the End-Zone

50 Years of the Turkey Bowl

By: Joe Sullivan 

This past November marked the 50th anniversary of the friendly neighborhood rivalry known affectionately as the “Turkey Bowl.” On Thanksgiving Day for the last 50 years, St. Dorothy School has squared off with St. Bernadette School to decide a year’s worth of bragging rights and possession of the trophy that accompanies the win. The 7th and 8th Grade boy’s Varsity football game kicked off at 10 AM and it did not take long to see that this year’s Dot’s team had too many weapons for Bernie’s to handle. Dot’s victory capped off a fine season. The 5th and 6th grade JV game was competitive right to the end. Add in a controversial call and we have a game the kids and adults will be discussing for some time. Dot’s came out on the winning end in this hard fought battle. Truly a sign of many, action packed Turkey Bowls #51, #52 and beyond.  

But for the many adults that line the sidelines, the football games are only a part of the reason this event is special. The games provide an opportunity for alumni from both schools to come out and see old friends and classmates. Many are returning from college and spend time catching up with others that have been away. Others who have a long history with game have made the game part of their Thanksgiving Day ritual.  

Personally, I now come to each game with my rooting interest split. I was a member of St. Bernadette Parish for 25 years and played in the ’76 to ‘79 games. Those were some lean years for us and often we knew defeat was imminent when we saw green helmets lined up from 20 yard line to 20 yard line. I am currently amember of St. Dorothy Parish and my sons are now competing in the games. I now like to stand in the End-Zone, on neutral ground. I enjoy the victory no matter which school comes out on top.  

Pat Funchion, on the other hand, is an unabashed supporter of the green and white. Pat played for St Dorothy’s and now has sons who have played in the games. Pat truly enjoys being part of the Turkey Bowl experience. Pat noted “the Turkey Bowl isn't really about football. It’s an event that bridges generations and neighborhoods alike.” He added “ I feel privileged to be part of the Turkey Bowl history. Either lining up as a player at the bottom of the hill or watching as a proud parent at the top of the hill, the atmosphere surrounding the Turkey Bowl rivals that of any football game we would otherwise pay to see. For a Dot's or Bernie’s alum, the Turkey Bowl is as much a part of Thanksgiving as Thanksgiving dinner itself.“ 

My long time friend, Mark Brady, has been a member of St Bernadette’s Parish for 42 years. Like Pat, Mark has played in the game and now has a son competing, but for St. Bernie’s. For Mark, the game takes on more importance with each passing year. Mark provided the following insight into his evolving view of the game “I now look on as a proud father of a St. Bernadette player. Unfortunately, my son has suffered two consecutive losses to St. Dorothy. Win or lose, the game plays a big role on the ‘day of thanks.’ It brings friends and family together to reminisce about the old days. We are thankful for the memories and the friendships that have evolved through the years.” 

Next year, St. Bernadette will be hosting the game at Dermond Field. I’ll see you in the End-Zone.