Calvert Hall and Loyola Blakefield Renew 104-Year Tradition in the Turkey Bowl

Baltimore‘s most enduring high school football rivalry is set to continue on Thanksgiving Day as Calvert Hall and Loyola Blakefield prepare for the 104th edition of the “Turkey Bowl.” This historic matchup, which has been a tradition since 1920, will take place at Johnny Unitas Stadium in Towson, Maryland, at 10 a.m..

Loyola Blakefield, currently holding the all-time record in the series with a 51-44-8 advantage, will be the designated home team this year. The rivalry is so intense that it is often compared to other legendary rivalries such as Michigan–Ohio State and Army–Navy. “If people need to kind of get an understanding, it’s like Michigan-Ohio State, Army-Navy, you know, Ravens–Steelers,” said Calvert Hall head coach Joshua Ward.

The game is more than just a competition; it’s a deeply ingrained tradition. Players from both teams acknowledge the intense rivalry, with Calvert Hall defensive back Chris Hewitt stating, “We don’t like each other. We don’t like each other’s programs but on that day we come together and we play a great game.”

Loyola Blakefield won the previous year’s game 40-28, but Calvert Hall has taken three out of the last five matches. This year, Loyola enters with a 5-5 record, while Calvert Hall stands at 7-4. The game promises to be highly competitive, with both teams well-rested and ready for the historic battle.

The stakes are high, with the winning team claiming the trophy that currently resides at Loyola Blakefield. If Calvert Hall wins, their president will receive the trophy from Loyola’s president in a symbolic handover.