The 4th Ranger Training Battalion got an early start Wednesday with the football traditions of Thanksgiving weekend by hosting a Turkey Bowl at Stewart-Watson Field.

Each company within the battalion squared off in a round-robin flag football tournament, with Headquarters Company coming out on top, defeating A Company in the championship game 7-0. Headquarters also defeated B Company 28-0 and D Company 21-7 and allowed just seven points throughout the tournament.

Gary Carty made a crucial interception late in the second half to kill a potential game-tying drive by A Company, which allowed Headquarters to run out the clock and hold on for the win. Both teams struggled offensively and created numerous turnovers on defense.

“Our offensive and defensive lines led to winning this tournament,” said Headquarters quarterback Simon Marsh. “The last game, I did not play well, but the defense did.

“It was a good time for team building and it gave a boost to the morale of the battalion. This is probably the only time of the year when we get to play football.”

This was the first Turkey Bowl the battalion has held, but the unit plans to make it an annual event. The battalion holds eight Recon Survey Leaders courses and 11 Ranger classes per year. The tournament teams consisted only of instructors.

“We don’t have very much down time,” 4th RTB commander Lt. Col. George Schabbehar said. “We have an opportunity for the guys to get together. Their work schedules are so vast, they don’t get to meet each other without this. I think we only come together as a battalion a couple of times a year.”