It’s Turkey Time.
The Turkey Bowl has finally arrived; here’s a game preview and what this tradition means to DHS.
New Canaan’s football team was notorious for their strong players from the class of 2024, but without their seniors, things will hopefully look a little different this year.
The Rams have a 57-39-2 record against the Blue Wave in the history of the Turkey Bowl, New Canaan beating Darien for a majority of the games in the past.
Most of Darien’s wins date back to the 1900’s; their longest winning streak running from 1947-1964, the Wave had its largest margin of victory in 1962 with 70-0 shut out.
The last time Darien took home the Turkey Bowl Championship trophy was in 2016. The Wave has been working seven full years to redeem itself and change that streak.
As for New Canaan, its longest win streak lasted from 2002-2011; the Rams largest margin of victory in that time was a 40-22 win in 2002. Finally, the Rams enjoyed eight straight games of beating the Blue Wave after a 14-14 tie in 2003.
The most recent Turkey Bowl, in 2023, had New Canaan winning the event for the sixth consecutive time. During the game the Rams actually scored on their first two touches; the end score being 31-17 over Darien at the Rams’ home, Dunning Field.
There is a lot of tension to be settled this year – Darien students expect the stands to be packed with enthusiastic support Thursday for the players (parents too!) and a LOT of Blue Wave pride.
When it comes to Turkey Day football this year, there is excitement and determination to win and that’s the result of Darien’s season so far. Darien heads into the most heated game in the FCIAC, playing their arch-rival the New Canaan Rams. The team’s senior class members look to set the tone for Darien this Turkey Bowl.
“As captains we expect all players to give their 100%. Every player on the team has a purpose, whether you’re our starting quarterback, or you’re a defensive scout player,” Senior Captain and Left Tackle Jackson Davenport explains.
Every year Darien Football’s big goal is to beat New Canaan in the Turkey Bowl. “Winning is a big part of Darien football, we do not like to lose. We train hard on and off the field, study playbooks, eat right, and act right in the classroom, all in order to help us win. We make sure as a team we are motivated in going 1-0 every week,” Davenport says. This determination and hard work is important each week to secure a win.
The Turkey Bowl isn’t just a game, it is a tradition that has been built up for each player throughout their high school and youth careers. “As a Darien football player, playing in the Turkey Bowl means a lot, ever since we were kids we would grow up watching the “older” guys play in the Turkey Bowl, and being able to step on the field being one of the “older” guys is a surreal feeling,” Davenport explains.
We asked some students at DHS their opinions on the Turkey Bowl, here’s what they said:
We asked sophomore Ava Welch, “what is the best part of the Turkey Bowl?”. “The best part of the turkey bowl I think is honestly the beginning because everyone talks up the Turkey Bowl so much and makes the game seem more interesting from each rivalry school wanting to win so badly. Additionally before the game when the flower gets thrown up is just a tradition and in my opinion it’s the best part because our school is together all doing the same thing in a fun and cheerful way”.
“How is the atmosphere as a fan at the game?” we asked junior Hadley Hazelton,“It is very peppy and fun but also family based since it’s Thanksgiving”.
Ninth grader Bella McCarthy, said that what keeps her going back to the Turkey Bowl is “because it is so much fun every year.”
Finally, we asked senior Ryan Peck, “Do you think Darien will beat New Canaan this year?” His response was, “Of COUUURSE.” We also asked him, “what are some memorable plays you remember from the games in the past?”. He said “Ben Curtis Pick 6”.
The Turkey Bowl brings excitement, joy and pride to fans and players alike. Buy your Turkey Bowl Tickets or stream online at DAF Media.
Roll Wave!
