Get Ready for Turkey Tussle

SPORTS

Turkey Tussle (Photo – Michael C. Floch)

This year, the local High School football rivalry will take place at the Rose Bowl on Halloween.* The John Muir Mustangs face their arch rival, the Pasadena High Bulldogs, on October 31, 2019.

By Christopher Floch

Why the move? The UCLA Bruins have back-to-back home games in the thick of the PAC-12 schedule against Arizona State and Colorado, meaning that the field crew lacked the time to maintain impeccable field conditions. Both schools elected to keep the tradition and pageantry intact. Imagine the pitch-black sky; a glowing full moon illuminating the iconic stadium below, as the fog rolls across the field. Chills run up and down your spine as the ghosts of Bulldogs and Mustangs awaken idyllic setting for the Turkey Tussle.

Jill Hawkins, who co-owns event coordinating company Miller Hawkins Productions LLC in Sierra Madre, made the announcement earlier this year, “It was determined that it was more important for our students to play in the Rose Bowl than to maintain our traditional date at another venue such as Pasadena City College,” she wrote. “This year’s scheduling has been more difficult than 2018! Because UCLA plays [two] home games in a row there would not enough time to mend the field for their use if we play in between, and player safety was a concern.”

1995 PHS Varsity team (Photo provided by Jason Hardin)

John Muir and Pasadena High are in the midst of incredible seasons. The Bulldogs are back with a vengeance at a mark of 6-2. John Muir, 7-1, is having yet another great season, the Mustangs are poised to make a deep CIF run in Section 11. Two winning programs on a collision course only intensifies the rivalry. Pasadena and Muir are both qualified for playoffs this season.

The winning team takes home the Victory Bell, presented as a gift from the Santa Fe Railroad at a pep rally for the Turkey Tussle in 1955. The Mustangs have claimed the bell so frequently that their ears are ringing. The Bulldogs defeated their hometown rival in 2015. Last season, John Muir scored 27 unanswered points en route to a 33-21 victory.

Turkey Tussle (Photo – rosebowlstadium.com)

Admission is $12.00 for adults, $5.00 for students. John Muir fans should park in lots F and K (West Side). Pasadena High fans should park in lot B and D (East Side). Kickoff is slated for 7:00 pm. The winning team will proudly ring the Victory Bell in their end zone, the sound will be far sweeter than any Halloween candy!

*Halloween costumes and masks will not be permitted for the Turkey Tussle.

> For details on the bell, a real old steam locomotive bell, see Pasadena High School web site. > You can watch the game Game on PUSD YouTube channel. > Legendary PHS football coach Tom Hamilton will have Tunnel 4 of Rose bowl dedicated before game.