Scots' Braun Reflects on 21-Game Bronze Turkey Streak
Monmouth, IL (11/11/2020) — Only a world war and a pandemic could stop the annual Bronze Turkey game between rivals Monmouth College and Knox College. The annual trophy game was halted from 1943-45 during World War II and in 2020 a worldwide pandemic has put the game on hold for the first time in 73 years, but oh, the memories.
First played in 1888, Monmouth holds a 70-50-10 series lead, which includes their current record 21-game winning streak. The run began in Hall of Fame coach Kelly Kane's final game as head coach in 1999, a thrilling 27-26 win as the Fighting Scots held off a fourth quarter Prairie Fire rally.
Steve Bell was hired to lead the Scots the following year and brought current head coach Chad Braun along as the defensive coordinator. Braun, now in his sixth season as head coach, vividly recalls his introduction to the rivalry, a full 10 months before the actual game.
"That was back when the Bronze Turkey was awarded to the winner at halftime of the Monmouth-Knox basketball game," explained Braun. "Coach Bell's wife, Robin, was pregnant with their first child and we were all in the gym when the trophy was awarded. There was some pushing and shoving, almost a scuffle going on between the two teams and we were in the middle trying to break that up and keep Robin safe at the same time. At that point I knew it was an intense rivalry. I didn't know a lot about the rivalry when I got here, but I got a quick schooling."
After 20 games on the sidelines, it's hard for Braun to pick a favorite, but some do stand out. The 27-23 win in 2002 is one of those, and the closest game since the current streak began.
The Scots trailed 17-10 with 3:02 left in the first half that year, but rallied with two scores before halftime. Rob Purlee hit Jason Killion with a 20-yard scoring pass to knot the game at 17-all with just 17 seconds left in the half. Greg Monn then recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff at the Knox 35. Andy Full tacked on three more points on a 21-yard field goal as the horn sounded for a 20-17 Scots' lead. Ed McCracken added a 22-yard TD run in the third quarter as Monmouth's defense held the lead in the second half.
"We had started the year 0-5, but came back and won our last five, including the Knox game," said Braun. "As I recall, I think we went into that game as the underdog. It was a really tight, competitive game, but we found a way to win. Knox had a really good receiver, Tom Neagle, and our freshman D-back, Ryan Bast, had no fear and did a great job keeping him in check for the most part."
When asked about a favorite game, Braun was stumped, but the defensive coordinator admitted he had to tip his hat to an offensive gem.
"It's hard for me to pick just one game," he admitted. "Probably the 2005 game when (quarterback) Mitch Tanney went 21-for-23 with five touchdowns stands out. That was a memorable performance."
Braun can take solace in crediting a QB with one of his favorite memories as his defense recorded a shutout in the game, one of three in the current streak. The '05 game was also significant as the last game before the Scots made their inaugural NCAA tournament appearance.
"It was a cold day," remembered Braun of the '05 contest that clinched the Midwest Conference crown. "Justin Zigler, and I don't know who else, dumped water on me to celebrate."
Fast forward to 2015, Braun's first year as head coach and the streak stood at 16. No pressure, right?
"I think every coach feels some pressure to some degree," guessed Braun of continuing a winning streak, against a bitter rival just 15 miles down the road. "The proximity of the two schools adds to the rivalry, no doubt. To our kids' credit, they prepare the same way regardless of who we're playing. You know the turkey game means a little extra to the alumni and fans, but we've had tremendous young men who know how to prepare each week. That's tough to do given the spotlight that's put on that game and especially with a winning streak on the line. You never take anything for granted."
The Scots have controlled the streak for 21 straight seasons, but perhaps the numbers prior to and including the streak are just as impressive.
In the 73 games played since the series restarted after World War II, the Scots have posted a 49-20-4 record. During the current streak, the Scots have won by the average score of 42-11. With Braun on staff, the margin grew to 43-10, and with Braun as head coach, it's a 46-7 advantage.
"Those numbers really reflect our young men and our program," said Braun, deflecting any personal accolades. "I've never made one play. It's been all the players who have given us success. Our guys want to perform at the highest level every time they step on the field."
It's been called the Battle for the Bronze Turkey and the Turkey Bowl, but by whatever name you call it, when it comes right down to it, there's a lot of tradition and pride at stake every November, except this November.
"The game means different things in different years," said Braun. "Some years, like in 2005, it meant a conference title. In other years, like 2002, it meant finishing the season with a win and keeping a string alive."
The Scots won't have the chance to keep the string alive this year, but there is hope for 2021.
"We can only control what we can control," said Braun. "We miss playing games this fall, and for a lot of people, the absence of the Knox game is especially telling. As a team, we just miss playing, period."
Teh quesetin remains: Is the streak over, or merely on hold?
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