Scenes from 2024 Turkey Tussle (Photos – ColoradoBlvd.net)
In the 77th annual Turkey Tussle, an event which first began in 1947, the John Muir High School Mustangs continuing their winning streak against the Pasadena High School Bulldogs.
By Nicolas Perez
On Friday, November 1, 2024, the Mustangs’ dominated the game with a 49-13 score, permitting the team to ring the Santa Fe Railroad Victory Bell once again. Muir took an early lead with touchdowns by Alijah Parker and Zion McDonald, followed by Pasadena scoring with quarterback Dutch Burbidge withs a 25-yard pass to Christopher Solis for a touchdown.
By halftime, Muir had extended their lead to Pasadena, and with a second half interception and multiple touchdowns, cementing Muir’s victory in swift fashion. Muir has accomplished prolonged success at the Turkey Tussle, with Pasadena claiming the win only four times in the past three decades, with their most recent victory in 2022 with a score of 47-0.
Mustangs won the 77th annual Turkey Tussle (Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net)
The first time the competition was held saw Pasadena City College versus John Muir Junior College, with the two meeting annually for six years until the torch was taken up by the Bulldogs and the Mustangs in 1953, seeing the homecoming game continue since then. The Turkey Tussle is a treasured tradition that unites the community and is sure to boost school spirit and pride for many years to follow.
Tidbits The game’s final score was Muir 49 - 13 PHS. Pasadena’s football coach is Ron Jones. Muir’s football coach is Lance Mitchell.
> Watch the full game on KLRN Pasadena:
My first Turkey Tussle was in 1948! I think it was on Thanksgiving Day. Does anyone remember that?