The Calvert Hall seniors are bringing the brooms to Unitas Stadium.
“I do not want to lose to Loyola,” said senior tight end Toby Liska. “It's one of my goals to go undefeated against them. I've had the opportunity to do that so far.”
“Being able to see those guys and just say 'Hey I beat you and you never beat me', and then seeing them in college and having that bragging rights is great,” said senior lineman Reggie Sutton.
A Cardinals win over Loyola in the 98th Turkey Bowl would secure a sweep for the Calvert Hall seniors. It would give them four straight victories over their rival and would also put a band-aid on an otherwise disappointing end to their season. Calvert Hall lost to Gilman in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association semifinals.
“This senior class has been really important to our success and I want those guys to go out with a win,” said head coach Donald Davis.
“With us losing the Gilman game, heartbreaking loss, to come back and be able to win my final game, that's everything I could ask for,” added Liska.
6-5 Calvert Hall is the favorite on Thursday but they know they can’t underestimate the Dons.
“We have to go out there like we're playing an NFL team, basically. We have to go out there like we're going to face a huge opponent and that's what we're going to do,” said Liska.
“They put their pads on the same way you do. So, just coming out and just punching them in the mouth and just keeping them there, that's the best way to handle it,” said Sutton.
“I fully expect to get their best shot,” said Davis. “They've got a great coaching staff. They got some really good young players and some older guys that I think want the same thing my seniors want,”
And coach Davis has extra reason to win this game.
Why?
He said if the Cardinals lose to Loyola his Thanksgiving meal consists of nothing. He doesn't allow himself to eat anything on Thursday night if his team loses the Turkey Bowl.
You can watch the game live on ABC2, at 10:00 a.m., on Thanksgiving.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerABC2 and Facebook
