Champions! Rams Win First Ever Virtual Turkey Bowl

Virtual Turkey Bowl Photo Gallery

Coach Pat Deane ’88’s pregame speech isn’t meant to manufacture enthusiasm that should be earned on the gridiron. He’s about serious football; hard-noses and every Ram to his assignment, no excuses. His players leave the pregame huddle with the business of football on their minds, and over their maroon facemasks, cool fire in their eyes. On to the fray.

The Reverend Christopher J. Devron, SJ is at the helm of the Prep’s team for the first quarter of the Inaugural Virtual Turkey Bowl and he squares off against the stifling defense of Xavier’s President, Jack Raslowsky. Offensive progress is minimal, but, like Horatius at the Bridge of old, Father Devron won’t surrender an inch and the first quarter ends scoreless. 

Prep Athletic Director Anthony “AK” Kurtin takes control of the team for the second quarter. His attacks through the air pay dividends into Xavier’s red zone before a bobbled pass results in an interception. AK goes to war in the trenches and Xavier doesn’t gain a yard for free. They cross the goal line bloody and halftime has the Knights up, 0-7. 

Just then, Associate Admissions Director Corey Punter ’07 happens by leading a tour of prospective students for the class of 2025, and Father Devron asks that they say a small prayer for us as they pass our chapel. Coach Deane (a good Catholic and a damn fine American) knows that it takes both faith and good works to get it done, so after his own prayer, he does what America does when the chips are down- he calls in the Marines. 

Captain John Murtagh ’05, USMC is tasked with leading the Prep comeback, and “Money” Murtagh wastes no time. His defense doesn’t give an inch, we take possession, and from there the Captain’s strategy is simple- throw the ball. Seven straight play action passes don’t deceive Xavier, but they can’t stop them either, and suddenly with five minutes left in the quarter, the game is tied. Xavier’s playcaller puts a 50/50 ball in the air not knowing those are Devil Dog odds. Rams come down with it, John puts a moonball into the hands of our big Tight End, and one lone Cadet isn’t enough to stop him. FP closes the third quarter up, 14-7. 

Sydney Assile ‘23 (they call him Sundown) is just a sophomore but he’s been a powerful voice on the sideline and Coach Deane calls his number to take us home. Xavier’s offense is unwilling to go quietly- they’re in hurry up looking for a hole at the line of scrimmage but they find holy war instead. Still, we find our backs against the wall seven yards from the end zone. Xavier’s snap is from the I formation- but it’s play action and their halfback is open in the flat with the ball on its way, the game is about to be tied.

Somewhere up there,  Hank “Hawk” Healy ’56 from the Prep’s only untied and undefeated football team- The Immortal ’54, must have been looking down on us because just as he sealed our victory with an interception on Thanksgiving Day 66 years ago, today The Sundown Kid comes away with it, and the only thing between him and the end zone is green, green grass. Xavier puts one more in to keep it interesting but we’re already smelling the turkey. Rams win, 21-14. The gravy will taste a little gravier tonight, the pecan pie a little sweeter. We say our farewells at a distance; the trophy, rightly ours, for now remains in Chelsea. COVID-19 may have laid claim to 2020, sure, but this little piece of it belongs forever to the Men of Fordham. Hail, lads; the business end of The Long Maroon Line wrote our story today.

All-Time Turkey Bowl Record

 Fordham Prep       Xavier          Ties

      52                      41                 4

All-Time Virtual Turkey Bowl Record

Fordham Prep       Xavier

    1                        0