Thanksgiving in Camden community isn’t complete without the Turkey Bowl, a clash that brings together the purple-and-gold Camden Panthers and the black-and-orange Eastside Tigers.
It’s a game steeped in tradition, with over 90 years of history, passionate fans, and plenty of school spirit.
This year’s match had a special visitor on the sidelines: former Panther star and current LSU defensive back Duce Chestnut.
On the opposing sideline – Raymond Payne, another alumnus, a former Tigers player, cheered for his old team.
For Camden residents, the Turkey Bowl isn’t just a football game—it’s a reunion.
Families, alumni, and students gather to celebrate the enduring rivalry, like Eastside graduate Jha-Nai Wagner, who cheered for her daughter, a senior captain of the Tigers’ cheerleading squad.
Even with the nostalgia and camaraderie, the game remains fiercely competitive.
This year, Eastside claimed victory with a final score of 20-8, but the spirit of the Turkey Bowl outstrips the scoreboard.
For the city of Camden, it’s a proud reminder of the unity and tradition that define Thanksgiving.
