Turkey Day Football: Gloucester City High School vs Gloucester Catholic High School
NOTE: For decades, the annual Turkey Day football games between Gloucester Catholic and Gloucester High drew thousands of enthusiastic fans, filling the stands with cheers and excitement in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. In those early days, the thrilling clashes unfolded at the Charles Street stadium. With the construction of a new high school in the 1960s, the spirited rivalry shifted to that location.
What made these games such a spectacular event was the local pride displayed by the players from both schools. Fast forward to today, and that local flavor has faded, as the Gloucester Catholic team now boasts an array of players predominantly from outside the city. Although the game still gives the winner bragging rights, it doesn’t draw the number of fans that it once did. The following articles capture the history and spirit of this iconic event, as published in the Gloucester City News and Cleary’s Notebook News on the specified dates.
By LEA KOROS
Special to CNBNews
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 2006) – With just a week to go until the highly anticipated Lions/Rams game, excitement is building! The “ELECTION” has wrapped up, and our incredible community of residents and alumni is diving into the cherished tradition that only those connected to GHS or GCHS can truly understand. There’s a buzz in the air meant for locals—it’s not the kind of chatter you’d hear on a bus from Deptford or Washington Township. No, this energy is alive at the Memorial A.A. church. I’ve sat in on those lively sermons, including one I recall about mixed marriages. Recently, the discussion turned to the question that ignites spirited debate: How can a Lion possibly marry a Ram? And how could they dare to send their kids to that school on Cumberland St.?
Oh yes, the excitement is palpable! This Wednesday night, the dedicated, community-oriented folks of Gloucester will be gathering at a favorite local spot to discuss the upcoming Turkey Day game. Some passionate fans will share their arguments about the unforgettable 1971 Delsea game or the incredible Froggy Rebstock catch that still has us talking. No matter the perspective, you can count on a few old-timers to refer to it as the “Shot heard round the world,” blissfully forgetting that they’re reminiscing about football, not the classic 1971 boys’ basketball game!
Turkey Day is finally here! The teams are gearing up in their own unique styles: while the Rams will enjoy a delightful pre-game breakfast prepared with love by their moms, the Lions players will gather for breakfast at the “Orange Church.” At Coffee Corner, located on the bustling corner of Broadway and Market St., you can expect to see familiar faces like Mr. Harris, Ken Settar, Steve Cowgill, and Ma Hagan—last night’s lively survivors! Preacher Pop Cowgill will serve communion to each Lion in the form of a delicious breakfast sandwich. After basking in their blessings, the players will proudly don their City Pride shirts as they step out onto the field.
Game time is here! Coach Harris has rallied a Lions team that was tantalizingly close to the playoffs, and they’re eager to finish the season with a .500 record. Meanwhile, the Rams are looking to redeem themselves after falling short of the playoffs.
The Rams will be putting their faith in a potent passing game led by Brooklawn’s Ray McKenney. Despite some ups and downs this season, McKenney is determined to connect with his teammates, Mike Calzonetti—who exemplifies the spirit of a Lion/Ram marriage—and George Spingler. If McKenney can hit his stride, it could be a challenging day for the Lions.
Conversely, the Lions have struggled to defend the pass this year. Coach Harris will likely give extra support to DB Bryan Collins against those deep patterns. The Rams’ running game has faced hurdles, with local stars like Ryan Alcott and Ed Saunders carrying the bulk of the load. They’ll need to push hard against the Lions’ formidable defensive line.
On the Lions’ side, the passing game has faced its own difficulties. Beyond a few short completions to WR Liam James or TE Mike Becker, consistency has been elusive. However, they’re gearing up to lean heavily on their running game, featuring the amazing TB Brandon McElwee and the powerhouse FB Josh Porter. After an outstanding performance against Audubon with a whopping 250 rushing yards and three touchdowns, McElwee is ready to shine alongside Porter, who will be pivotal to the Lions’ offensive strategy.
As the game unfolds, everything will likely rest on McKenney or his backup, Calzonetti, advancing the ball against a Lions secondary that has shown moments of weakness. Given the Rams’ challenges in establishing their running game, they’ll likely focus on passing. Expect them to throw strategically, targeting DB Bryan Collins while avoiding Lions DB Liam James, getting a boost from FS Brandon McElwee.
The Lions will aim to control the field and win the battle in the trenches. With Mike Marchionne leading the charge, they will strive to establish a running game against a Rams defense that has occasionally struggled with tackling. A few missed tackles from the Rams could spell trouble, and with both teams eager to secure victory, it’ll be a thrilling showdown. The team that can find success in the air will likely come out on top. The Lions, full of pride, will make the necessary adjustments to give their all. Still, the locals—who bring that undeniable Gloucester spirit—will rally, pushing players like Alcott, Spingler, Mike Gartland, McKenney, Harry Amwake, and Calzonetti to deliver an electrifying performance and hopefully secure a well-deserved win for the Lions!