MADISON- The artificial turf facility at Bob Jones High was transformed into a big block party to celebrate all the giving to charity as the eighth annual Walter Jones Turkey Bowl was held in support of the House of the Harvest Food Bank located in nearby Harvest.

A seven-on-seven flag football tournament was held with action in two divisions of play- Top Gun and the co-ed Jack and Jill. The enthusiastic and competitive games featured eight teams in Top Gun and four teams in Jack and Jill. The day-long play came down to the semi-finals.

In Top Gun, 2017 tournament champion Phoenix lost to Project XYZ who in turn were defeated by Decatur’s Elite in the championship game. In Jack and Jill, Lindsay Lane East Baptist Church and Boeing Fitness lost in the semi-final matchups. In the title game, Wea??re Flagging Awesome edged The Eagles.

Numerous door prizes including NFL memorabilia and gift cards to local businesses were handed out as part of the festivities. The exciting play and comradery included a tailgate party two nights before the tournament held at the Meridian Crossroads Tavern & Eatery featuring the musical talents of Jason Albert former lead singer of the hit-making group Heartland.

The event was hosted by former National Football League All-Pro offensive lineman and 2014 inductee to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Walter Jones. Listed among the 2000’s All Decade Team, Jones had his number 71 retired by the Seattle Seahawks his team of 12 years.

Jones once lived in Harvest across from Sparkman High, but recently sold his home and moved to Seattle where he enjoys retirement by working part time in radio and is also dipping his skills into photography.

“House of the Harvest is dear to my heart as that’s the way my family was raised in South Alabama with people helping us out with those assisting coming from local churches and those among our community,” said Jones. “This event has grown each year and I’m blessed to be around people who can see the vision and want to be a part of it.”

Jones, 44, who played offensive tackle for the Seahawks at 6-foot-5, 325 pounds, still has family in this area and said he wants people to know he may not live here, he stills remains a part of what goes on here.

“My motto has been ‘Best To Ever Do It” (B2EDi) as I was regarded as the best in the NFL and want to express to all you can be the best at whatever you want in your life,” said Jones. “It’s how you step your feet on the ground to be the best person that day- that’s what we do with this event. It’s a celebration- a community feeling.”

The event has grown over the last eight years and looks to be even bigger and better in 2019. The event raised $28-thousand a year ago and this year’s collection is expected to bring even more money and attention to the House of the Harvest located at 9144 Wall Triana Highway in Harvest. The local charity helps the community physically and spiritually and serves food to families in need.

“I tell others if they are doing something that’s dear to them, they’re doing it right,” said Jones. “I feel I inspire others to dream big and to volunteer their time and help others.”

Details about the annual flag football play is available at www.walterjonesturkeybowl.com.