42 JANUARY 2024 By Tiffany Gonzalez The Tuesday before Thanksgiving is a special day for the fifth-graders of Tavan Elementary, as the school holds its annual Turkey Bowl, a day of flag football and fun. The event began as a suggestion from a former P.E. teacher three decades ago. Now, that tradition lives on, thanks to current P.E. teacher Ellen Young. “The Turkey Bowl is a great way to get our students outside and doing something different,” Young said. “It’s also enjoyable because we get community partners to help coach and assist with the event.” The Turkey Bowl is a friendly game of flag football held between two teams of fifth graders. The game lasts for four quarters – eight minutes per quarter – and there’s even a halftime performance. This year’s football game included a couple of surprises. Katrina and David Alfaro of Arcadia Sports Central crafted a tunnel for the teams to run through, making the game even more professional and exhilarating. “Playing on the Arcadia High School field was really fun. The announcer saying our names was cool. Having our school watch us was also fun,” fifth-grader Abby Fays said. Former Tavan students Caleb Young and Ryan Jimenez – who are now football players at AHS – refereed the game while John Thomas and John Albright announced the plays. The appearance of Mr. Thomas was especially heartwarming, as he is a former Tavan student. The halftime show included Arcadia High cheerleaders joining the Tavan cheer team. After the performance, Thomas put on music for the students, and a dance party by all capped off the event. “The Turkey Bowl was such a fun experience. All the cheer stunts we learned were fun. The halftime performance was the best part of it! The Arcadia cheerleaders and Lahela (AHS senior) were really nice,” fifth-grader Leranse Enaro said. Perhaps the biggest surprise was an appearance by former Buffalo Bills NFL linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, who helped coach alongside David Alfaro. “The coaches were really nice. Playing on the Arcadia field was amazing. I loved how the crowd was going crazy!” fifth- grader Julian Trevizo said. This year, to supercharge school spirit, the green team became Ballard’s Brood, and the blue team became the Figueroa Fighters – named after Tavan’s principal and assistant principal. The 31st annual event was a success for students and even brought about a new interest within. “It is co-ed, so we get boys and girls out there. I’ve had several girls tell me that they now want to play flag football. I am so excited because girls’ sports across the country are dwindling, so getting them out there is exciting,” Young said. “This year’s Turkey Bowl was one for the books!” Hut, hut, hike: Tavan kicks off 31st annual Turkey Bowl Arcadia High and Tavan cheerleaders energized the crowd and the fifth-grade teams. Ballard’s Brood and the Figueroa Fighters at the 31st annual Tavan Turkey Bowl. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELLEN YOUNG PLAY LOCAL. PLAY BALL. REGISTER online for the 2020 Spring BASEBALL and SOFTBALL Season – Boys & Girls Ages 4-14 PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND REGISTER TODAY www.ArcadiaLittleLeague.com Mandatory player evaluations for upper divisions will be held Saturday, January 18, and Saturday, January 25 at Ingleside Middle School Practices Begin February 1 – Spring Season Runs Early March through End of May Take advantage of EARLY BIRD PRICING through December 31, 2019 Re gister at www. ArcadiaLittleLeague.com PLAY LOCAL. PLAY BALL. REGISTER online for the 2020 Spring BASEBALL and SOFTBALL Season – Boys & Girls Ages 4-14 PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND REGISTER TODAY www.ArcadiaLittleLeague.com Mandatory player evaluations for upper divisions will be held Saturday, January 18, and Saturday, January 25 at Ingleside Middle School Practices Begin February 1 – Spring Season Runs Early March through End of May Take advantage of EARLY BIRD PRICING through December 31, 2019 Re gister at www. ArcadiaLittleLeague.com REGISTRATION NOW OPEN • BASEBALL SOFTBALL TEE-BALL • Boys & Girls Ages 4-12 VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND REGISTER TODAY www.arcadialittleleague.com Registration closes on Feb 3. SCHOOLS WITHIN OUR BOUNDARY INCLUDE Archway Veritas, Biltmore Preparatory Academy, Desert View Learning Center, Echo Canyon, Hopi, Ingleside, Phoenix Country Day, Tavan Placement evaluations are mandatory for upper Baseball and Softball divisions. Practice will begin in February. Season runs from early March until May.

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