The Turkey Bowl – Thursday, Nov. 25 – 10:00 am – M&T Bank Stadium
This is the 91st renewal of the game known as the Turkey Bowl.  Last year Calvert Hall snapped a six game losing streak to the Dons, but Loyola still leads the all-time series 48-34-8.

Broadcast
TV: Channel 2
Radio: 1370 AM

What’s at stake
Don’t believe either team if they tell you that just beating their arch-rival will make their season.  Both teams want something more.  If Calvert Hall (10-1, 4-1) can defeat the Dons on Thursday, they will win their first MIAA A Conference championship.  A victory will leave them tied with Gilman (7-2 overall), which completed its league season at 4-1, but the Cardinals would take the championship by virtue of their win over the Greyhounds earlier this year.

Loyola (6-4, 3-1) can also tie Gilman for first, but the Dons cannot win the title because they have lost to Gilman this year.  They can, however, deny Calvert Hall, which might be the next best thing to winning their own championship.

Outlook
Matchups are everything in high school football and this game has the potential to be one of the most entertaining in the history of the series.

Calvert Hall boasts one of the area’s elite defenses, led by senior tackle Dan Yarborough and defensive back Adrian Amos.  They have allowed just 112 points in 11 games and have recorded three shutouts.

The Cardinal “D” will battle the Loyola offense, led by quarterback Mike Fafaul.  Fafaul is back on track after an early season injury and has thrown for 1,736 yards and 22 touchdowns this fall, connecting frequently with playmakers Jordan Floyd and Deemer Class.

Defense, a long-time strength at Loyola, has been a weakness for the Dons in 2010, as they have allowed a league-high 334 points.  They will face a strong Calvert Hall running game and a productive passing game led by junior transfer quarterback Thomas Stuart.  Stuart has passed for 1,868 yards and 15 touchdowns this fall.

Loyola’s best shot at an upset is for a big effort from its defense, which must come up with some turnovers.  If Loyola gets a lead, it also must do a good job controlling possession time.  The key for Calvert Hall is more of the same.  As they have done most of the year, the Cardinals must frustrate the opposing offense early while the offense grinds out points.