One autumn afternoon in 1996 as two faculty members were proctoring the cafeteria...

John Jordan, 34, english teacher and alumnus,
challenged Steve Lemak, 25, technology teacher and alumnus,
to a friendly game of football...

"Thanksgiving morning... You get 6 of your friends and I'll get 6 of mine! And let's see if you young punks can win!"

And so it began that frigid morning...

Team Old vs. Team Young...

...and it continues today.

John Jordan Steve Lemak

Teams divided by age to form Team Old & Team Young

Last year's winner get's first possession

Offense gets 4 downs to get to midfield for first down

Offense gets one first down per possession

Possession ends when a team a) scores, b) fails to make a first down, c) turns the ball over via an interception or fumble, or d) a player is downed for a safety

Offense must keep 2 linemen in to block

Offensive linemen are ineligible receivers

Defense must have 2 men on the line of scrimmage

7-MISSISSIPPI Rush Count

Defense allowed 1 blitz per set of downs (Must yell "BLITZ")

More than 1 offensive player in the backfield means defense can rush immediately without using their blitz

After a score the opposing team MUST HAVE A COMMUNAL CHUG

No onside kicks (Implemented 1998)

Safety equals ½ point and possession (implemented 2007)

Overtime Process: Similar To College Rules - Each team gets 4 down to score starting at midfield (Implemented 2008)

No Swatting At Opponent's Attempts To Grab Your Flag (Implemented 2010)

A fumble in the backfield is a live ball and a defensive rush is allowed regardless of rush count (implemented 2011)

MVP Selection: John Jordan and/or Steve Lemak will make selection at the end of regulation (Implemented 2006)

MVT Selection: All participating players in that year's Bowl will make selection at the end of regulation (Implemented 2009)

The Turkey Bowl has been played in Claymont, Delaware located north of Wilmington and south of the Delaware-Pennsylvania border, as well as in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania located just north of the Delaware-Pennsylvania border. Both locations are approximately 30 miles SW of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Turkey Bowlers come from miles around including Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, and Connecticut to participate in the annual tradition.

Pennsylvania -Delaware - New Jersey Borders

Those Who Have Played In 10 Or More Turkey Bowls:

John Jordan (16)
Steve Lemak (16)
Mark Robinson (15)
Chris Robinson (13)
Marc Albero (13)
Damian Andrisani (12)
Tom Whitwell (12)
Joe Filippoli (11)
Dan Hickey (11)




Implemented 2005

Joe Filippoli - XVI 2011
John Jordan - XV 2010
Nate Andrisani - XIV 2009
Matt Githens - XIII 2008
Steve Lemak - XII 2007
Damian Andrisani - XI 2006
Dan Hickey - X 2005





[Click Here] For a complete listing of all 69 who have participated in the annual Turkey Bowl




To date the Turkey Dust Bowl participants have donated a total of $875.00 towards the Philabundance Organization (Implemented 2010)