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For most people, Thanksgiving mornings are reserved for rest and relaxation—unless you're a football player at Kirkwood or Webster Groves high schools, in which case you're preparing for a chance to top your longtime rival.
The anticipation surrounding this year's Turkey Day game is particularly palpable. Following Webster's loss in the state semifinals, the contest will pit the two varsity squads against each other. (During the past few years, the junior-varsity teams have faced off, due to the MSHSAA football playoffs.)
It's a rivalry that dates back to 1907, with the coveted Frisco Bell on the line. "It's a game that has a tremendous amount of importance—not only to the two teams that are playing it, but obviously to the communities that are involved," says Kirkwood athletic director Corey Nesslage. "Even when the JV teams played, it's a big deal to bring that bell back to your campus. But this year, with it being a varsity game, the emotions and energy around the game have definitely been ramped up."
Among many memorable Turkey Day memories, longtime Webster Groves head coach Cliff Ice recalls the 2005 game. "Both Kirkwood and Webster had lost in the state semifinals the week before," he says. "We had Adrian Clayborn, who now plays for the the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; they had Jeremy Maclin, who now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Mike McNeill, who now plays for the [St. Louis] Rams. There were a lot of really good players, two very good football teams." In that game, the Statesmen narrowly beat the Pioneers by a two-point conversion, with a final score of 20-19.
Beyond the gridiron, though, Turkey Day brings other festivities. Nesslage enjoys the Chili Bowl and pep rally held the night before the game, which brings scores of alumni back to campus. Ice enjoys the Turkey Bowl, in which bowling pins are set up in the cafeteria and students bowl with frozen turkeys.
As for off-the-field options during the day of the game? "Man, I'm the wrong guy to ask," Ice says politely. "I've always been in the locker room." In the Kirkwood/Webster area, at least four restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving: J. Greene's Pub (open at 11 a.m., with a buffet and the bar), Sunset 44 Bistro (open throughout the day), PJ's Tavern (the bar's open in the evening), and Weber's Front Row (the bar's open in the evening).
Kickoff is at noon at Kirkwood High School's Lyons Field. Crowds have topped 10,000 in recent years, so plan to arrive early. Or, if you prefer to stay inside with the turkey and heat, tune into KTRS 550 AM.
In the meantime, enjoy perusing the below photos of past Turkey Day games, courtesy of photographer Randall Kriewall.
