Thanksgiving brings families together, fills tables with feasts, and at THS, features high school football. As the fall season comes to an end, the Tenafly Tigers will compete in the annual Turkey Bowl against their Dumont Husky rivals next Thursday, Thanksgiving day.
Almost every year since 1922, the two high schools have alternated hosting the holiday game. “This is the longest-running rivalry in the whole of New Jersey,” James Wortman (’26) explained. In the 2023 game, Dumont beat Tenafly 20-0, adding a ninth win to their eight previous victories. However, Tenafly still holds the series lead, 56-34-3.
Just like how people across America tune into the NFL Thanksgiving games, the Turkey Bowl allows the team to get out on the field and play a friendly game accompanied by the Tenafly Tiger Cheerleaders and Marching Band. Similar to in a home game, the marching band will perform a halftime show. Directed by Mr. Jacobetz, the 2024 band will take the audience through the life of a computer in their new piece, Connected. The piece is composed of many moving parts, instruments, and props. Accompanied by the marching band during the sidelines, the Tenafly Cheerleaders will also be there supporting the team through its trials and tribulations. Even though the chilly temperatures are coming in, the cheerleaders still keep their spirits warm and rally up the crowd. As they work to prepare to perform their fall routine for the last time, the cheerleaders are excited for the big day.
“This will be my third Turkey Bowl and it’s going to be so fun,” Jocelyn Kim (’25) said. “There’s a long-standing tradition where the cheerleaders wear the football players’ white jerseys from the season while the football players wear their orange jerseys. As a senior, it feels really special to be a part of this and I am just so proud of everything we’ve all worked for!”
While the sidelines are filled with spirit and music, the energy on the field is unforgettable, as the players put their best effort into every play, reflecting the talent they worked to achieve this season. The 2024 game will be led by senior captains David Hobaichan (‘25) and James Freiser (‘25) as well as junior captains Troy Knause (‘26) and Jacob Kim (‘26). This will be Head Coach Escalante’s second time coaching the team through the THS tradition.
“It’s special [because] we get to have one final game for our seniors and juniors to show off,” said Gavin Abadondolo (‘28), a first-year football player, commenting on how it feels to have a final game two weeks after most seasons end. Not only does this allow the players to play one more time, but it also serves as an opportunity to bond. The Turkey Bowl is where the graduating senior captains give their final speech before running out as a team one last time.
Recently, the seniors reminisced on their experiences being on the team and celebrated the growth and improvements they’ve seen in themselves and their teammates. Gearing up for the final game of the season, Hobaichan shared his thoughts and feelings on coming to the end of his final football season at THS: “This game is like a reward to see all of our hard work and effort we put into the season… While I give the speech in the locker room, I make sure I let everyone know how proud I am. Though this is only my 2nd year playing, the Turkey Bowl will always have a special place in my heart… It’s great to see my past teammates come and support us and at the end of the game I get to eat turkey with my family!”
This year, the game will be at home on the John B. Geissinger Field on November 28th at 10 am. Come out and support your tigers!
