Game From Obscurity

Given that The Game also falls during Thanksgiving week, my mind has been on turkeys and wolverines (and the inability I have to distinguish between the defensive stances of the two).  As such, we re-visit and re-cap our favorite Thanksgiving holiday that doesn’t include lots of peanut oil.

This week’s game goes beyond the NCAA, beyond the NAIA, beyond whatever governing body supports The Apprentice School, all the way down to High School football. Yup, we’re visiting the 103rd incarnation of the Frisco Bell Game in suburban St. Louis. So that means that this is the soundtrack for the rest of this post.

While the rivalry started in 1901, the game itself was moved to Thanksgiving afternoon in the fall of 1907; the trophy was donated by the Frisco Railroad Company beginning in 1952. The entire week has events scheduled for both schools and alumni, including the “friendship dance“. Given that it’s Missouri, it might also be known as “the friendship dance where you’d better not get too friendly, if you know what I mean“. Feel free to test your “Frisco Bell” knowledge with this handy quiz… ’cause you know I loves me some quizzes.

Webster Grove is currently undefeated ranked near the top of the state at the Division 5 level, and will be playing to defend their State Championship on Saturday. As such, this year’s “Turkey Day” game was played between the JV squads of both teams, and was won by the Statesmen’s JV 14-12 on the strength of a 75 yard kick off return TD.

In the cruelest of all ironies, the Pioneers of Kirkwood High varsity squad saw their season end at 9-4 after losing to Webster Grove 28-0 in the semi-finals. Since their junior varsity failed to win the coveted Bell, they might be satisfied instead in purchasing “approximately” 5 televisions, although it’s uncertain whether or not it will have the “Turkey Day” logo on it.

The standout for both teams is Webster Grove’s QB/DB Marquis Clemons, who currently has offers from Missouri and Iowa.  Here’s his highlight video- dude can bring the wood as well:

Thanksgiving Day Junior Varsity High school football. If nothing else, this week’s Game from Obscurity delivers a “win” in the “truth in advertising” front.