Churches hit the gridiron to help feed the hungry

Cold turkey.

Jeremy Hansen kicked off a “turkey bowl” two years ago at a church in Bennington.

“I thought it would be cool to do. I remember playing football in the snow or rain with my brothers,” Hansen said.

A second event will wing back.

Hansen, director of youth and outreach ministries at First Lutheran Church in Fremont, is coordinating a tournament with a goal of providing turkeys to Low income Ministry.

“Turkey Bowl El Dos” (the second) will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 15 at First Lutheran Church in Fremont. Teams of 12 will participate in a Turkey Bowl series, which Hansen said consists of a few games of ultimate football using rubber poultry.

“It is for any senior high youth in the community,” Hansen added.

A wishbone formation?

“It’s not tackle turkey ball -- (more) like ultimate Frisbee,” Hansen said. It is a stretch, but ultimately those rubber turkeys will help feed families in need.

“Rubber turkeys as the ball -- frozen turkeys to donate,” Hansen said.

“The cost to participate is one frozen turkey per six youth in attendance. You may bring a frozen turkey along or simply bring $12 to donate toward the purchase of a turkey,” he added.

Teams from Omaha, Lincoln and Blair have already signed up for the event.

“We will have six to eight ‘turkey fields,’” Hansen said. “It’s just hilarious.”

Hansen hopes spectators will flock to it.

“Bring a lawn chair,” he said.

Sharee Maki of Fremont, youth director at St. John’s Church in Bennington, is helping plan the event.

“Anytime we can get Christian teens together for fun activities, it’s a good thing. Healthy and holy,” Maki said. “It is not just about them (but) serving others in simple ways. It’s easy for them to bring a turkey.”

At the conclusion of the event, a traveling trophy will be awarded.

There may be a bone of contention.

“We are debating -- the team with the most turkeys, sportsmanship or points?” Hansen said.

Following the games, the youth will gather to gobble a meal of turkey noodle soup.

“It’s a simple concept with great potential,” Hansen said.

The two youth directors hope it will continue -- so they don’t have to quit “cold turkey.”