At the 2nd annual Harvest Bowl Breakfast, set for Thursday, the rivalry between Pitman High School and Turlock High School will be forgotten as the community comes together to chow down on pancakes, eggs, sausage, and a variety of other mouthwatering breakfast foods.

“We wanted to bring a different flavor to the game and this breakfast brings a sense of togetherness,” said Pitman High School football coach Chris Wolfley. “The kids that play in this game have known each other for so long and most of them are very good friends. Rivalry games don’t have to be divisive.”

Hosted by the Pitman Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Pitman High School football, guests at the free breakfast will participate in an open prayer and enjoy music and each other’s company the day before the highly anticipated  11th annual Turlock Lion’s Club Harvest Bowl matchup.   

This year’s breakfast will also feature guest speaker Ron Murray, whose life story he believes was highly influenced by God. Murray faced a number of challenges growing up, including a schizophrenic mother who was addicted to drugs, time spent as a Crip gang member, and a father who was murdered when he was only 11 years old.

Despite his past, Murray went on to run track at Fresno State University and play football in the 1999 Western Athletic Conference. He also dedicated his life to God in 1999, and has served in ministry as a youth minister, pastoral administrator, preacher, praise and worship leader, and outreach minister.

“With the Harvest Bowl, kids get the opportunity to play in something that means a lot to them and the community,” said Wolfley. “Regardless of the outcome, these players will stay friends and this breakfast will help them give glory to God, who gave them the opportunity to play.”

Those interested are encouraged to attend the free breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on Thursday at Calvary Baptist Church, 700 E. Monte Vista Ave., Turlock.