Turkey Tussle (File Photo – rosebowlstadium.com)
The 74th annual Turkey Tussle has been cancelled due to a player testing positive for COVID-19.
By Christopher Floch
The Turkey Tussle is the best rivalry in high school football in the Southland, pitting John Muir Mustangs against the Pasadena High Bulldogs, where the winner receives the highly coveted Victory Bell.
The game was scheduled for Friday, October 29th at the iconic Rose Bowl. An emergency press release was sent out on October 25th notifying the community of the cancellation.
“We have learned that an athlete who was to participate in this week’s game has tested positive for COVID-19. In accordance with the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD), the Pasadena Health Department and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) protocols, athletes will have to be quarantined,” said the joint statement by Pasadena High Principal Robert Hernandez and Dr. Lawton Gary of John Muir.
The Turkey Tussle began in 1947 when the game was played between Pasadena Community College and John Muir Community College. In 1954 the annual Turkey Tussle was played between what is now Pasadena High School and John Muir High School. At stake besides bragging rights, is the Victory Bell, a gift presented by the Santa Fe Railroad in 1955.
A recent poll found the Pasadena High and John Muir rivalry was the best rivalry in Southern California football. In fact, Fox Sports West cable channel filmed a documentary on the Turkey Tussle battle, showcasing the rich history of the crosstown battle.
The game is another casualty of this seemingly never-ending pandemic. Despite this setback, the Homecoming festivities at Muir and at PHS will go on as planned.
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