By Jonathan Martinez
MIAMI GARDENS | In a November gridiron tradition, two local Catholic high schools met head to head earlier this month, partly for a good cause and partly for bragging rights.
Msgr. Edward Pace High School battled cross-town rival Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in the Knights of Columbus annual Turkey Bowl Nov. 2.
Spartan fans filled the bleachers to celebrate their Senior Night and outgoing head coach Joe Zaccheo at his final home game. The Wolverines arrived determined to increase their winning streak.
Home field advantage didn’t help the Spartans as Belen took the lead early in the game and never looked back, ending the first quarter 17-0. Pace managed to stop a shutout by scoring late in the game, making the final 32-7.
The teams pledged $10 per point scored toward the Knights’ Coral Gables Council 3274 Thanksgiving Food Drive, which helps needy families. Their fans contributed as well, raising nearly $600.
At the end of the game, the Knights presented the Wolverines with the silver turkey platter engraved with the helmets of both teams and the scores of each of the previous games. Engraved is the message, “This traveling trophy, symbolic of the many empty platters that both schools help to fill through their generous support of the Knights of Columbus Coral Gables Council #3274 Thanksgiving Food Drive, is awarded to the winner of the varsity football game between Belen Jesuit Preparatory School and Msgr. Edward Pace High School.”
“Aside from the philanthropy, we also hope to engage the young people so that they know about the Knights of Columbus and that it is a fraternal Catholic men’s organization,” said K of C Council member Daniel Biggs. “Hopefully, as they become adults, they can look toward the Knights of Columbus to conserve and carry on the traditions of the Knights.”
The victory was the sixth consecutive win for the Wolverines though they went on to lose the Region 4-8A playoff against Miami Palmetto High. The Spartans also lost the Region 4-4A playoff against Gulliver Prep.
“This game fits perfectly with the motto of Belen to be ‘Men for Others,’” said Jesuit Father Guillermo M. García-Tuñón, Belen’s president. “The boys take into consideration that they’re always doing things, even if it’s football, that can be used for the sake of helping other people. For over 10 years we’ve been part of this Turkey Drive to help others and Pace believes, like us, that being able to raise these young Catholics to be charitable and to be able to take into consideration the needs of other people is very important.”