San Ramon Valley Thunderbirds Winners of Annual Turkey Bowl

DANVILLE, CA — In their final youth football game of 2016, the San Ramon Valley Thunderbirds recently took on longtime rivals, the Rebels, during the annual Turkey Bowl with dominating win of 32-6 against the Pleasant Hill team. Despite the pouring rain, the game, which is considered the Super Bowl of youth football, was hosted in Danville by the T-Birds on Nov. 26.

The team shared a recap of the game:

Morgan (59) stopped the advancement of the kick-off return, which set the tone for the game. He was joined by his teammate, Vaupen (22) with the first touchdown of the game. Powers (52), Jones (55), Tagliaferri (51), Rossi (88), Beeken (77), Giosso (64), Norfleet (28) and the rest of the defense made it difficult to penetrate the end zone.

The offense was led by quarterback Deitchman (44), who took over for injured quarterback and linebacker Cribb (2) only a few games before the play-offs. The offense made key plays to Norfleet (28) and Vaupen (22) to drive the ball down the field. Offensive players Lipscomb (33), Perkins (76), Nishihira (34), Purcell (60), Salisbury (15) and the rest of the offense put a new title to team work. Schramm (32) kicked the ball with precision and also ran for yardage.

“For the majority of the boys, this is their last season as a T-Bird,” team representatives said via email. “What a great way to end youth football and on to high school football next fall. Thanks to the fine Coaching of Jeff Jones and his Team of Coaches, these boys will be ready to play."

The T-Birds’ 2016 season, led by Coach Jeff Jones, started on Aug. 5. Players endured grueling nightly practices and played games on the weekends.

Photos courtesy Renée S. Morgan