Muir Wins 28-20 in Final Minutes of Turkey Tussle

The 78th edition of the Turkey Tussle at the Rose Bowl (Photo – Jennifer Hall Lee)

The 78th edition of the Turkey Tussle, held on Halloween, was the closest in years, with Muir narrowly emerging victorious after a late scare from PHS.

By Paolo Calchi Novati

Muir won 28-20, capturing the Victory Bell for the third straight year and holding onto their top spot in the Pacific League. In front of an ecstatic crowd, the teams battled until the final minute, when a Muir touchdown finally put the game out of reach for the Bulldogs.

The game moved slowly, marked by many rushes, though most touchdowns came from precise passes.

The Mustangs started strong. Within the first five minutes, quarterback Trey Gamble connected with wide receiver Alijhah Smith for a touchdown. Minutes later, another impressive pass from Gamble to wide receiver Noah Bozeman produced Muir’s second score. Two 15-yard penalties helped PHS cut the deficit to 7-14 in the first quarter.

The second quarter was scrappy and intense, highlighted by Pasadena’s Synncere Pitts being carried off on a stretcher with a leg injury. Both teams added touchdowns in the third quarter, bringing the score to 14-21.

In the final three minutes, Pasadena quarterback Dutch Burbidge advanced close enough to the end zone to connect with Kyle Robertson for a touchdown, putting PHS within a point of tying Muir for the first time. A failed two-point conversion left the Mustangs with a narrow 21-20 lead.

With under a minute left, most expected Muir to hunker down and let the clock run out. Instead, Trey Gamble launched a pass to a wide-open Noah Bozeman, sealing the 28-20 victory.

Despite the intensity on the field, the teams embraced afterward, showcasing the spirit of Pasadena’s unity, especially meaningful after the devastating Eaton Fire.

“This game is special. It’s part of our community, it’s part of our tradition, to be here in the Rose Bowl, that our students get the opportunity to experience this,” said John Muir principal Dr. Lawton Grey.

Paolo Calchi Novati is an aspiring sports journalist and editor for his school’s newspaper at Thurgood Marshall Secondary. He’s also involved in the chamber orchestra, mock trial, and tennis team.

Muir Wins 28-20 in Final Minutes of Turkey Tussle (Photo – Paolo Calchi Novati)

Turkey Tussle 2025 (Photo – Paolo Calchi Novati)

PHS and Muir bands performing at halftime. (Notice the ‘No War’ flags in the background.) (Photos – Jennifer Hall Lee)