WS Chronicle

For a decade the Elite Eight Alumni Association has held the Turkey Bowl, which not only brings people together for football, but also for giving back to the community. North Forsyth was looking to three-peat as champions, but fell just short in the semi-finals.

The alumni from Reynolds were crowned 2019 champions over the Carver Yellowjackets on a last second scoring play to win 6-0. Reynolds and Carver were joined by alumni from Mt. Tabor, West Forsyth, North Forsyth, Parkland and Glenn. East Forsyth did not field a team in this year’s tournament.

The Demons looked strong all throughout the tournament. They faced some stiff competition leading up to the championship game. Carver gave it all they had, right up to the final play. According to some of the players and onlookers, this year may have been the best year of action on the field.

This year the tournament gave back to several worthy causes such as the 9th grade basketball teams from Parkland, Carver and Walkertown, along with assisting local football teams traveling to Florida for national tournaments.

“The goal is to donate to all Elite 8 schools, who in return show us support,” said Shermane McGriff, tournament organizer, in a statement. “That’s really been lacking for WSFCS since we’ve been an organization.

The game was held at Carver High School in front of a large crowd. People young and old came out to root for their favorite team.

“This is great to come out and see these guys playing,” said James Blackburn, longtime Winston-Salem resident. “I had the chance to work with a lot of these young men back in the day, either at the Boys and Girls Club, Pop Warner football, baseball and basketball.”

“It’s like a reunion and to see how competitive they still are is great. Some of them played together in little league and went to different high schools, but to see all come back together is fantastic.”

Former Carver High Principal Dan Piggott added, “It’s good to see all the young men and women come out to see what is going on. I think it’s great that they come out and have a good time before Thanksgiving dinner and there isn’t any arguing, bickering, slapping and shooting, but just guys having a wonderful time.

“I was here at Carver for 11 years and a lot of those young people are in all types of occupations and it brings joy to my heart to see them doing that kind of stuff. I just think it’s great to have those lasting relationships and friendships.”

The Elite Eight Alumni Association also holds annual basketball and kickball tournaments and gives back to those in need during those events as well.