Eagles take down Turkey Birds while collecting more than $1,000 during annual fundraiser

Heather Sevigny
·2 min read
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CAMBRIDGE − The Guernsey Eagles continued their win streak against the Turkey Birds, a team comprised of Board of Developmental Disabilities staff and members of the Guernsey County Sheriff's office, during the Eagles fundraising game Tuesday evening at Cambridge Middle School.

A packed house watched what can best be described as a feeble attempt at a basketball game, judging by the Turkey Birds' performance.

Eagles player Shawn Lemley takes on a double stack of sheriff's deputies during the annual fundraising game.
Eagles player Shawn Lemley takes on a double stack of sheriff's deputies during the annual fundraising game.

The Eagles commanded the ball from the beginning of the game, with the Turkey Birds making mistake after mistake, much to the very obvious yet lighthearted dismay of their coach, Sheriff Jeffrey Paden.

Taking on the role of referee for the game was Cambridge Mayor Tom Orr, who showed no mercy and was quick to call out the violations. By his side, also wearing black and white and acting as referee was Allen Hunter of State Farm Insurance. Byesville Mayor Jay Jackson kept the game clock running smoothly throughout the evening, though the buzzer seemed to be used in excess at times, much to the delight of the crowd.

The Guernsey Eagles secured the win with a 47-23 victory over the Guernsey County Sheriff's office and Board of DD staff. The annual fundraiser brought in over $1000.
The Guernsey Eagles secured the win with a 47-23 victory over the Guernsey County Sheriff's office and Board of DD staff. The annual fundraiser brought in over $1000.
The Guernsey Eagles secured the win with a 47-23 victory over the Guernsey County Sheriff's office and Board of DD staff. The annual fundraiser brought in over $1000.
The Guernsey Eagles secured the win with a 47-23 victory over the Guernsey County Sheriff's office and Board of DD staff. The annual fundraiser brought in over $1000.

The annual fundraiser is a favorite of both teams and the fighting spirit and laughs shared throughout the game reflect that. The crowd chanted for their favorite players and watched as each Eagles player was given plenty of time to take their shot at glory.

Eagles Coach Rick Lynch and Coach Paden took to the floor during the last part of the fourth quarter and decided to take matters into their own hands and play along as the benches cleared. The Eagles ended up securing the W with a final score of 43-27.

Coach Jeff Paden (left) and Coach Rick Lynch decide to get in on the action during the Guernsey Eagles game against the Turkey Birds.
Coach Jeff Paden (left) and Coach Rick Lynch decide to get in on the action during the Guernsey Eagles game against the Turkey Birds.

Coach Lynch was happy with the outcome, but sad to see the season come to an end. "It's time to move on to other sports and we're looking forward to next year and seeing what that brings," he said.

At the end of the game, the teams had raised $966, but donations continued to pour in even after the final buzzer.Proceeds from the game will be split between Night to Shine and Guernsey County Special Olympics.

"It's just a lot of wonderful people having a good time. We referee high school teams most of the year, and to come out and see people pour their heart into it and have a good time, there's something to be learned from that," said Mayor Orr.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Guernsey Eagles soar over Turkey Birds during annual fundraising game