Preps 24/7: Special Thanksgiving for Aurora Christian football

The Native Americans and the Pilgrims have nothing on the Aurora Christian football team when it comes to the size of their Thanksgiving feast.

The Eagles, who planned to head to Champaign on Thanksgiving morning in advance of Friday's 3A state championship game against Mt. Carmel, planned a team-wide Thanksgiving meal for players, coaches and their families in Champaign.

"I'd rather have than than [only] with my family," Aurora Christian linebacker Kenny McCracken said. "I love my family but being with this team is also my other family, too. My whole family is coming down. Everyone's family is coming down. We're going to have a huge Thanksgiving, and it's going to be awesome."

Aurora Christian coach Don Beebe said the team will also convene for its usual bible study session on Thursday night before waking up at the hotel Friday morning and sandwiching team meetings around breakfast and lunch. The Eagles will arrive at Memorial Stadium around 1:30 p.m. for their 4 p.m. kickoff.

Mt. Carmel, meanwhile, will make the trip to Champaign from southeastern Illinois on Friday morning, according to Golden Aces coach Darren Peach.