Calvert Hall secured a thrilling victory against Loyola Blakefield, winning 28-24 in the 105th Turkey Bowl held at Towson University on November 23, 2023. This marked a significant moment for Calvert Hall, as the team celebrated its first win in the series since 2022, breaking a losing streak against its archrival.
Entering the contest, Loyola Blakefield, ranked No. 13, was known for its potent passing offense. Yet, Calvert Hall’s junior quarterback Oliver Noll showcased his skills by executing a balanced attack that effectively countered Loyola’s strategy. With the Dons focused on stifling Calvert Hall’s running game, Noll took to the air early, delivering two touchdown passes in the first quarter that shifted the momentum of the game.
Noll’s first touchdown was a 28-yard completion to junior Micha Morozov, followed by a 41-yarder to sophomore Amar Lanier. Just before halftime, Noll further extended the lead with a 19-yard touchdown run, propelling Calvert Hall to a commanding 28-7 advantage by the end of the second quarter.
Reflecting on his performance, Noll expressed his determination to prove the capabilities of his team. “I took it a little personally that people weren’t respecting our passing game,” he said. “We can do whatever we have to do, whether it’s running or passing, just to win the football game.”
Calvert Hall’s first-year head coach, Ty Ward, acknowledged the necessity of exploiting Loyola’s defensive focus on the run. “We knew they were going to load the box to stop our running game,” he explained. “We had to go up top, and we were able to connect on a couple of plays.”
Despite facing a formidable deficit, Loyola Blakefield, now 5-6 overall, showed resilience. The Dons managed to claw their way back, with sophomore quarterback Carlos Spencer connecting with junior receiver Logan Furst for a touchdown just before halftime, narrowing the gap to 28-14.
In the second half, Loyola continued to apply pressure. Senior Michael Escoe recovered a muffed punt return, setting up Spencer for a six-yard touchdown pass to senior Brayden Pross. The Dons then attempted to close the gap even further with a 37-yard field goal from James Lazzati, but their efforts fell short as they struggled to maintain offensive momentum.
Calvert Hall’s defense held firm, limiting Loyola’s scoring opportunities in the final quarter. A missed 26-yard field goal attempt by the Dons and an interception by sophomore Jordan Hicks with less than three minutes remaining sealed the victory for Calvert Hall. Hicks described the interception as “the biggest of my career,” highlighting the significance of the moment.
The win was particularly meaningful for Calvert Hall, which has faced considerable challenges this season, including injuries that sidelined as many as ten starters. “We battled through so much adversity,” Ward remarked. “The kids kept fighting, and we told them at halftime it was going to take 48 minutes, and it did.”
Despite not achieving their goal of an A Conference title, Calvert Hall’s victory over their archrival provided a fitting conclusion to the season. “Because of this game, there’s always a championship,” Ward stated, emphasizing the importance of the rivalry and its impact on team morale.
As the series continues, Loyola Blakefield still holds a narrow lead with a record of 52-45-8 against Calvert Hall. The 105th Turkey Bowl showcased the passion and intensity of high school football, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in this storied rivalry.
