GREEN HORNETS & BLACK KNIGHTS
About Us
The Eastern Suburban Football League (ESFL) originated in 1956, with the St. Clair Shores franchise fielding two separate elements, our Green Hornets and the south end Black Knights. We were organized under one Board of Directors, having equal membership from both elements and a “Neutral” President, working for the common good of all the boys. These were the days in which Roseville had three franchises, Grosse Pointe had two, and Denby was in the league. It preceded the entries of Mt. Clemens, Sterling Heights, Shelby, etc. Friendly rivalries developed immediately. The most intense of which existed in St. Clair Shores. Our teams both represented S.C.S. and were both among the tops in the League. Our annual competition was always scheduled for the last game of the season, and was given the name “Candybowl”. This was our common fund raising game and ostensibly resulted in one years bragging rights within St. Clair Shores.
“The Game” grew in intensity, as anyone that played or coached the 1960’s & 70’s will readily attest to. It is difficult to describe the degree of intensity, but team won - lost records were thrown out the window. Numerous undefeated seasons, on both sides, were ended all of a sudden. Defenses which were as porous as Swiss cheese during the season, became solid walls, boys who had made 2 or 3 tackles in the first seven games were now making tackles all over the field. Crowd attendance was huge. Blocking, running, play executions were crisp, players refused to tire or show injury, because no one wanted to leave the field, even the cheerleaders got into the competition, with each side trying to outdo the other’s half time shows. Numerous activities and traditions were established, which would require too much space to describe here.
Unfortunately over time smaller enrollments and diminishing adult participation led to the weakening of the St. Clair Shores franchise particularly affecting the Black Knights. Boundaries were moved in an attempt to rectify the situation, to no avail. The once mighty Black Knights were no longer competitive and were terminated in 1981 merging into the franchise, as it now exists. The Candybowl legacy has continued to this day over 40 years, but with less luster and histrionics than before.
The game is now known as the Tom Miller Memorial Candybowl. Tom was one of the founders of the ESFL and the St. Clair Shores Black Knights and Green Hornets entities. He served as President of the ESFL for 20 years of its existence, while simultaneously serving as a S.C.S. director, equipment manager, and Black Knight’s coach. Shortly after his retirement from the league, Tom succumbed to cancer. The Candybowl game, which he conceived, nurtured and truly loved, was dedicated to him at his funeral service, and will live as a memorial to him as long as football is played in the area.
“The Game” grew in intensity, as anyone that played or coached the 1960’s & 70’s will readily attest to. It is difficult to describe the degree of intensity, but team won - lost records were thrown out the window. Numerous undefeated seasons, on both sides, were ended all of a sudden. Defenses which were as porous as Swiss cheese during the season, became solid walls, boys who had made 2 or 3 tackles in the first seven games were now making tackles all over the field. Crowd attendance was huge. Blocking, running, play executions were crisp, players refused to tire or show injury, because no one wanted to leave the field, even the cheerleaders got into the competition, with each side trying to outdo the other’s half time shows. Numerous activities and traditions were established, which would require too much space to describe here.
Unfortunately over time smaller enrollments and diminishing adult participation led to the weakening of the St. Clair Shores franchise particularly affecting the Black Knights. Boundaries were moved in an attempt to rectify the situation, to no avail. The once mighty Black Knights were no longer competitive and were terminated in 1981 merging into the franchise, as it now exists. The Candybowl legacy has continued to this day over 40 years, but with less luster and histrionics than before.
The game is now known as the Tom Miller Memorial Candybowl. Tom was one of the founders of the ESFL and the St. Clair Shores Black Knights and Green Hornets entities. He served as President of the ESFL for 20 years of its existence, while simultaneously serving as a S.C.S. director, equipment manager, and Black Knight’s coach. Shortly after his retirement from the league, Tom succumbed to cancer. The Candybowl game, which he conceived, nurtured and truly loved, was dedicated to him at his funeral service, and will live as a memorial to him as long as football is played in the area.
