Turkey Tussle 2016: Is a Change Coming?

Turkey Tussle (Photo – pusd.us)

Every year, football fans across America look forward to the big game at the “Granddaddy of Them All”, Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Stadium. The only difference is, for most of those fans, that game is played on New Year’s Day. For those that call Pasadena “home”, that game is in November!

By Jason Hardin

Since 1954, cross-town high schools Pasadena High and John Muir High, have been battling it out for city pride and bragging rights in their annual season-closing homecoming game known as the Turkey Tussle. Having sent over 32 players to the NFL, it’s no wonder why the energy and excitement of watching these two schools play each other is anything less than epic.

1995 PHS Varsity team is the last PHS team to win the bell (Photo provided by Jason Hardin)

Exactly 21 years ago, I was a Pasadena High School sophomore on the junior varsity football team, when I experienced the Turkey Tussle for the very first time, and to describe it as “amazing” would be a vast understatement. From the sideline, I watched our varsity team fight to the very last second for a 14-7 win over the Mustangs. I can still remember watching our star running back, Chidi Iwuoma, tear up the field with his quickness and strength to eventually bring home that “Victory Bell”. What makes that moment particularly special is because it is the only time in the past 32 years, aside from last year, that Pasadena High School has possessed the prized “Bell”.

Turkey Tussle (Photo – rosebowlstadium.com)

Though the John Muir Mustangs have been able to enjoy countless victories over the years, the PHS Bulldogs’ long wait came to an end at the big game last year!

Regardless of the outcome this Friday, the beloved Turkey Tussle is the truest representation of the tradition, diversity, and pride of Pasadena. It’s also just about the only opportunity in which the people of Pasadena can actually enjoy a great football game in America’s most famous stadium, without the all the out-of-towners…and that’s a “win” in itself!

The 70^th Annual Turkey Tussle homecoming football game between Pasadena High School and John Muir High School is Friday, Nov. 4, 2016 at the Rose Bowl.  Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.  Click here for more details.