Turkey Bowl is all about the rivalry between Calvert Hall and Loyola and everyone from the fans, coaches and players knows it's all about coming out on top.
For the two head coaches, it's a rivalry that's been in their blood for more than 20 years - going back to when they played in the Turkey Bowl themselves.
In 1995, Calvert Hall senior running back Donald Davis lined the field for his final Turkey Bowl. Meanwhile, Loyola sophomore quarterback Brant Hall took his first snaps as a starter in the Turkey Bowl.
The Dons would go on to win 21-0, extending their win streak to seven. For Davis and Hall, a rivalry began that has been on display for the past 10 years as they coached their alma maters in the Turkey Bowl.
"Playing against him (Davis), I was a sophomore, he was a senior. We happened to get the better end of the stick that day and win the game. And I'm sure he remembers that," Hall said. "But I've got a lot of respect for Donald. He's a great coach and a great man. I'm proud to able to coach against him."
Now as coaches, Hall and Davis are doing their best to lead their players to a Turkey Bowl victory.
"Having been a player and being able to coach in it, I think, or at least hopefully, I can sort of help our guys wade our way through this process," Davis said. "But I don't think it gives me an advantage because the coach of the other team has the exact same experience I have."
For both coaches, the rivalry has been competitive and fun.
"It's a great rivalry and it's exciting," Davis said. "It's, for us, competitive, but it's a great competitive. We're not enemies, we are opponents."
"It's a great rivalry and that means a lot to me, especially having played in it, having coached in it. It's something that I'll always treasure," Hall said.
Thanksgiving Day will be the last time that Coach Hall takes the Loyola sideline as a coach. It'll be the last time that he and Coach Davis square off for the Turkey Bowl title. Davis said they've been great opponents and he's been fortunate to coach against him.
"He's a great friend. He's a tremendous football coach and a great man," Davis said. "I've been blessed to coach against him."
Turkey Bowl kicks off at 10 a.m. Thanksgiving Day from M&T Bank Stadium. Watch the game on ABC2 or live stream.
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