by An Average Quarterback, Class of 1989
For 36 years, the Thanksgiving morning fields near South Lakes High School echoed with the camaraderie of a unique tradition: the Turkey Bowl. What began in 1987 as a spirited tackle football game between South Lakes seniors and juniors grew into an enduring ritual, rooted in community, competition, and lifelong friendships.
In its inaugural year, the game was little more than an impromptu clash of classmates, with players hopping locked fences to make it happen. Over time, the annual tradition evolved, moving from tackle to two-hand touch, but the essence of the event—connection and fun—remained constant. Players returned year after year, some traveling back to Reston, their hometown, to take part.
The game became more than football. It was a reunion of bonds forged in childhood at schools like Terraset, Hunters Woods, and Sunrise Valley. Despite differences in backgrounds, religions, and politics, the participants were united by shared values instilled by their parents and their love for Reston. The Turkey Bowl fostered a brotherhood that deepened with each passing decade.
While the final score rarely mattered (though, for the record, the class of ’89 dominated with a 33-2-1 record), the joy of togetherness and mutual respect defined the event. Each fall, anticipation built as the holiday approached, and laughter always outweighed competition.
The 36th and final Turkey Bowl, held on Nov. 23, 2023, was played in memory of the game’s "Patriarch," a beloved player who passed away at just 51. His absence cast a shadow over the event, leading many to reflect on the incredible achievement of sustaining this tradition for more than three decades.
Reston, with its welcoming paths, community spaces, and shared moments, embraced these young men-turned-middle-aged friends, allowing them to preserve the simple joys of connection. Although the shouts of "Down, Set, Hut!" have fallen silent, the legacy of the Turkey Bowl endures as a testament to friendship, community, and gratitude.
— An Average Quarterback, Class of 1989
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