You’re standing in the cold at Moss Field, or maybe Lyons Stadium, with a thermos of lukewarm coffee and a scarf wrapped twice around your neck. The air smells like woodsmoke and anticipation. It’s Thanksgiving morning. Most of the country is watching the Lions lose on TV or arguing about how much sage goes in the stuffing, but in two specific St. Louis suburbs, there’s only one thing that matters: the Webster Kirkwood Turkey Day game.
It’s the oldest Thanksgiving Day rivalry west of the Mississippi. Honestly, it’s more than a game. It’s a multi-generational ritual that basically dictates the social calendar for thousands of people every November. If you grew up in Webster Groves or Kirkwood, you don't just "go" to the game. You live the week leading up to it.
The Frisco Bell and the Little Brown Jug
Winning isn't just about bragging rights; it’s about the hardware. Since 1952, the winner has hauled home the Frisco Bell. This isn’t some plastic trophy from a catalog. It’s a 400-pound locomotive bell donated by the Frisco Railroad Company. It’s heavy, it’s loud, and it represents the heart of the community.
But what about the loser? They don't go home empty-handed. They get the Little Brown Jug.
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Now, usually, trophies are for winners, but this tradition (borrowed from the Michigan-Minnesota rivalry in 1940) gives the jug to the losing side. It’s a consolation prize that nobody actually wants to hold. In 1974, the jug was actually stolen by a Webster alum and hidden in an attic for nearly twenty years before being mysteriously dropped off at a tavern in 1993. That’s the kind of petty, wonderful energy this rivalry produces.
A Timeline of Chaos and Tradition
This thing started back in 1907. Kirkwood won that first official game 5-0. But it wasn't always smooth sailing. People get heated.
- The 1923 Riot: A referee called back three Kirkwood touchdowns. Webster won 7-0. A massive fight broke out involving fans from the stands, leading to a four-year suspension of the game.
- The 1940s: This is when the Turkey Day festivities really started to look like what they are now—the bonfires, the hallway decorations, and the Friendship Dance.
- The NFL Stand-off: In the 1970s, the St. Louis Football Cardinals tried to host NFL games on Thanksgiving. The locals basically said, "No thanks, we're busy." The NFL eventually gave up because they couldn't compete with high schoolers for the city's attention.
- The Maclin Era: In 2002, a 14-year-old freshman named Jeremy Maclin (who went on to be an NFL star) dominated the JV game. Fast forward to today, and Maclin has patrolled the sidelines as Kirkwood's head coach.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Rivalry
You've probably heard that these two towns hate each other. That’s not quite right. It’s more of a "I hope you lose every game but I’ll see you at the bar later" kind of vibe.
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The Friendship Dance is a perfect example. It started as a way to curb the violence that plagued the early years of the matchup. One school hosts the other for a dance the week of the game. It’s a peace offering. It’s the "Friendship Queen" and the "Friendship Court." It’s kinda sweet, honestly, considering these same kids will be trying to tackle each other into the dirt 48 hours later.
Then there's Tacky Day. On the Monday of game week, students wear the other school’s colors. It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s a staple. You’ll see a sea of orange in Kirkwood and red in Webster, all done with a wink and a nudge.
The Stats and the "Agreement"
As of the 2023 season, the all-time series is remarkably close. Webster Groves has traditionally held the overall lead (58-56-7), but Kirkwood has been on a tear lately. The Pioneers won their tenth straight Webster Kirkwood Turkey Day game in 2023 with a dominant 65-13 victory.
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There’s also the "Turkey Day Agreement."
This is where it gets technical. Missouri high school football playoffs often clash with Thanksgiving. If one of the teams is still in the state championship hunt, they usually play their JV squads on Thanksgiving so the varsity players don't get hurt. However, Kirkwood moved up to Class 6 a few years back, which changed the math and allowed them to occasionally play both the state title and Turkey Day with the same squad.
How to Do Turkey Day Like a Local
If you’re planning on attending, don’t just show up at kickoff. You’ll miss half the point.
- Hit the Chili Bowl: Local restaurants in both towns compete in a chili cook-off on Wednesday. It’s the best way to carb-load for the freezing weather.
- The Wednesday Night Bonfire: Both schools host massive rallies and bonfires the night before. It’s loud, it’s smoky, and it’s where the hype peaks.
- The Turkey Day Run: Thousands of people run through the streets of Kirkwood on Thursday morning before the game. It’s a great way to justify the three plates of mashed potatoes you’re going to eat later.
- Arrive Early: These games sell out. We’re talking 10,000+ people in the stands. If you aren't there an hour before kickoff, you're sitting in the grass.
The Webster Kirkwood Turkey Day game isn't just a sports event; it's a homecoming. You’ll see people who haven't lived in Missouri for twenty years flying back just to stand on the sidelines with their high school buddies. It’s a weird, beautiful, stubborn tradition that refuses to die, even in an era of 24/7 digital distractions.
To get the most out of the experience this year, make sure to check the official district websites for ticket sales early in November, as they often sell out through digital platforms before game day. If you're an alum, look for the designated "spirit tents" usually set up near the end zones for the best chance to reconnect with old classmates.