WS Chronicle

The North Forsyth Vikings took home the crown as Elite 8 Turkey Bowl Champions for the second year in a row, beating Glenn High School in the championship game. The tournament was held at Glenn High School and organizers say it continues to grow every year.

This is the 8th year of the tournament whose purpose is to not only bring together alumni for a football tournament, but also for the collection of non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products to be donated to the less fortunate. This year the donations were given to Veteran’s Helping Veterans Heal nonprofit.

Harry Harris, one of the Elite 8 organizers, said he knew North Forsyth had an athletic team, but did not think they would win in back-to-back years. Even though Harris is a Mt. Tabor alum, he knows this day is more than just about what happened on the field.

“Being out at Glenn High School this year, for the first time, was very good,” Harris said. “It was very peaceful and we had a great turnout as far as the donations and hygiene products. Overall, it was just a great day, seeing all the family and friends come out and enjoy the day together.”

Harris said the competition on the field was possibly the best they have had over the past eight years. He said the crowd was really into the games and wanted to thank the community for coming out to support their efforts.

“This event is one thing that all people can look forward to, similar to a homecoming,” Harris said. “It is something positive for people of our generation, because it brings all the schools together.

“It’s also a blessing that we were able to help these veterans out as a community, because of all they do for us,” he continued. “With Veteran’s Day just passing, it’s like the perfect time to give back around Thanksgiving.”

Mike Porter, a 1995 graduate of Glenn High School, reached out to Glenn high alums, Chris and Cory Lane, members of the Chris Lane Band, to play in this year’s tournament. Chris, now a solo artist, had a country music chart topping single, “Fix,” back in 2016. 

“I just wanted to try and enhance the image of what we are trying to do here, which means we have to include everyone,” said Porter. “We just want this event to continue to build and grow the way it should grow.

“We are looking to have strong unity and a bond of brothers that actually want to give back to the community,” Porter continued. “That’s the vision that Harry wanted, so that’s the vision we want to portray.”

Porter said the main factor for him was giving back to the veterans, rather than what took place on the field. Porter was disappointed with the end result, since his team was defeated in the finals against the Vikings.

According to Porter, the Elite 8 has now reached out to all of the schools to have a better relationship moving forward. One of their goals is to have the winner of the Turkey Bowl host the next year’s event.