Every year, on the day before Thanksgiving break, all of the sixth and seventh-graders at Edison Intermediate School (EIS) get to watch the student-versus-staff flag football game, called the Turkey Bowl. The eighth graders who want to participate get the chance to play, and the ones who do not get to watch. This tradition at EIS has been ongoing for many years and is a favorite among students at the school. Noah Kagen, a seventh grader at EIS, stated, “My favorite thing about [the Turkey Bowl] is missing class.”
This year, the Turkey Bowl will happen on November 26, 2025, which is the day before Thanksgiving. Many people look forward to events like these, including flag football, basketball, and volleyball. LaNova Schall, the principal at EIS, stated, “I love seeing the kids and staff have fun; it’s part of the culture of the school!”
School spirit is valued at EIS and for good reason! According to research, “The beauty of school spirit lies in its inclusivity. It welcomes and unites students from all walks of life, creating a sense of belonging and mutual purpose. It’s this sense of unity that propels students to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally, fostering a sense of belonging and unity” (Varsity Brands).
Studies show that 72 percent of Americans like football, and EIS students fit right into that percentage. Out of the 27 students who were interviewed, all of them have a favorite National Football League (NFL) team, and 24 of them have a favorite NFL player. Many students have the same favorite player. “My favorite player is Cam Scataboo,” Maxwell Baron, a sixth grader in EIS, stated.
While many people’s favorite thing about the Turkey Bowl is missing class, seventh grader James Diaz took a different approach with his answer. “My favorite thing about the Turkey Bowl is watching Mr. Kevin play,” James stated.
While the students at EIS watch the Turkey Bowl, teams in the NFL are preparing for their big game tomorrow. The two teams that always play on Thanksgiving Day are the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions. There are three games that are played on Thanksgiving, but the teams in the last game of the night alternate every year. Many students at EIS have Thanksgiving traditions. Jackson Lane, an eighth grader at EIS, shared, “I like watching football on Thanksgiving.”
Many students in EIS also play football. There are two major types of football in Westfield, both run by the Police Athletic League (PAL). PAL runs the Westfield boys tackle football for third to eighth grade. They also run the girls’ flag football for grades two through eight and the boys’ flag football for grades first through tenth. Jacob Hamlisch, a sixth grader at EIS, plays football. “I play center, quarterback, and defensive tackle,” Jacob stated.
Whether the students or staff claim the victory, this game will be one to remember!
