78th Turkey Tussle Brings Historic Stakes to the Rose Bowl

The Victory Bell is up for grabs Friday night at the Rose Bowl as John Muir High School takes on Pasadena High School in the 78th Turkey Tussle. For the first time in the rivalry’s history, the Mustangs will run onto the field representing not only a team that has dominated the series but a school that has grown to be the city’s largest.

“Muir is for the first time in its 99-year history, it is the largest high school in Pasadena,” Pablo Miralles, curator of the John Muir High School Alumni Museum and a Muir alumnus, told Pasadena Now this week. The enrollment reversal adds a new twist to a rivalry that began in 1947.

Friday Night’s Matchup

The October 31, 7:00 PM kickoff at Rose Bowl Stadium features two teams heading in familiar directions. According to MaxPreps standings, John Muir High School enters at 7-0-1 in Pacific League play, holding first place. Pasadena High sits at 5-1 in league, 1.5 games behind, carrying a 6-3 overall record.

The quarterback matchup showcases contrasting styles. John Muir senior Trey Gamble, a left-handed transfer, has accumulated 2,172 passing yards and 29 touchdowns through October 26, according to MaxPreps statistics. Pasadena High School senior Dutch Burbidge counters with 2,439 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, including a 359-yard, five-touchdown performance against Arcadia on October 24.

“That’s one of the hardest parts of coaching in a rivalry like this. You’re not just coaching football, you’re trying to connect generations,” explained PHS Head Football Coach Ron Jones. “These kids need to know they’re part of something that started long before them and will continue long after.”

The Bell’s Journey

The Victory Bell, the official Turkey Tussle trophy from 1955 onward, has changed hands repeatedly but spent most recent years at Muir. The Mustangs lead the all-time series 46-20-2, according to Great American Rivalry Series.

The 2022 game marked a turning point. Pasadena’s 47-0 victory ended an 18-year drought for the Bulldogs. Muir responded with consecutive victories: 45-0 in 2023 and 49-13 in 2024.

“That 2022 team was a great group — they earned that 47-0 moment and set a high standard,” Jones reflected. “But this team is completely different. New faces, new energy, new identity. We respect what was built before us, but we’re not trying to recreate it.”

Muir’s Defensive Wall

The Mustangs’ current seven-game winning streak has been built on defense. Muir has surrendered only 9.0 points on average during that stretch.

“I’ve been so impressed, not just this year, but for the last couple of years with the defense at John Muir. It’s a stingy team that doesn’t give up many points,” Miralles observed. He highlighted linebacker Ezekiel Rodriguez as a standout, while also praising the offensive weapons: “And this year we have an amazing quarterback and a left-hander- Trey Gamble,” along with “a really great junior receiver in Deveon Blaylock.”

Pasadena’s Offensive Identity

The Bulldogs have found their rhythm behind Burbidge’s arm and senior wide receiver Kyle Robertson’s 966 receiving yards. Freshman running back Synncere Pitts adds balance with breakthrough performances including 110 rushing yards against Arcadia.

“Our focus is on writing our own chapter in this rivalry and proving what this team can do when it’s our turn under the lights,” Jones said.

One Night, One Community

Despite the challenges and changes, the Turkey Tussle remains Pasadena’s hometown, crosstown game.

“51 weeks out of the year, PHS and Muir are part of the same PUSD family,” Miralles said. “But on that one week in late October or early November, we get to really be at each other’s throats.”

For those attending Friday’s game, Rose Bowl Stadium enforces a clear bag policy and operates as a cashless venue. Tickets remain available through school websites.

“If you’re in Pasadena and you care about the public schools, supporting the Turkey Tussle, even if your child doesn’t go to one of the two schools, is important,” Miralles urged. “It’s these kinds of traditions that will maintain this passion for the district.”

Jones, looking ahead to Friday night under the lights, kept his focus on the players who will determine which school claims the Bell: “Hopefully this is the kind of night our kids will talk about for the rest of their lives.”

The historic Victory Bell waits at midfield. Two high schools will compete for the right to ring it. After 78 years, the Turkey Tussle remains uniquely, essentially Pasadena.

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