The Staples vs. Greenwich Thanksgiving morning rivalry, known as "The Turkey Bowl", has become one of Connecticut's premier high school football traditions. The annual matchup began in 2005 after Fairfield High School split into Fairfield Warde and Fairfield Ludlowe, creating the opportunity for Staples and Greenwich to establish a new Thanksgiving Day rivalry.
Since then, the Wreckers and Cardinals have concluded each regular season with a matchup that has frequently featured two of the top teams in Connecticut. Both programs have consistently competed for FCIAC championships and CIAC Class LL playoff berths, making Thanksgiving morning more than just a rivalry game as it has often served as a preview of the state postseason.
Played alternately in Westport and Greenwich, the Turkey Bowl draws thousands of alumni, families, students, and community members each year. For generations of players, the opportunity to wear the Wrecker or Cardinal uniform on Thanksgiving morning has become a defining moment of their high school careers, offering the chance to compete in a game steeped in tradition and forever etched into the memories of those who have played in it and those who have supported from the stands.
Today, the Staples vs. Greenwich Turkey Bowl stands as one of Connecticut's signature high school football events. More than two decades after its inception, the rivalry continues to celebrate the rich traditions of both communities while adding new chapters to one of the FCIAC's fiercest and most respected rivalries.
Turkey Bowl 2023
The Wreckers and Cardinals met on Thanksgiving Morning 2023 in Greenwich with the FCIAC Championship on the line. Greenwich entered the game undefeated and ranked #1 in the State of Connecticut amid a 365-day-long win streak. Staples stuffed Greenwich on the goal line to open the game before Max Maurillo took a screen 70 yards for a TD. The Wreckers never looked back as they captured their first FCIAC Championship since 2012.
Turkey Bowl 2022
After losing 5 consecutive Turkey Bowls to Greenwich, the Wreckers had revenge on their mind. Down 6 with one minute to go, Senior Captain Tyler Clark takes the kickoff back to around the 50-yard line and catches the first pass to get the Wreckers in scoring position. Senior Captain Will Holleman makes a diving catch in the endzone and Jack McColl nails the extra point for a 39-38 Wrecker victory.
Turkey Bowl 2012
FCIAC Championship game played at Greenwich High School. Joey Zelkowitz set an FCIAC Championship Game record with 318 rushing yards on 21 attempts. The Wreckers win back-to-back FCIAC Championship titles with a 48-30 victory.
Turkey Bowl 2011
FCIAC Championship game played at Staples High School. Down 27-24 with less than one minute to play, Jack Massie connects with Senior Captain Peter Bonefant in the corner of the endzone to win 31-27 and take home FCIAC Gold.
2009 Turkey Bowl
After a back-and-forth contest, Staples Football Legend, Rob Gau blocks Greenwich's Field Goal as time expired.