CIF Postpones Football Season; No Turkey Tussle This Year

[UPDATED] The annual Turkey Tussle between John Muir and Pasadena high schools will not be held this year.

According to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the football season will not begin until later this year.

“We anticipate each section to [start] their football season in December or January,” said Rebecca Brutlag, CIF media relations officer.

The schedule could be further impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic and state and local health orders that prohibit large-scale events.

The annual homecoming game between crosstown rivals Pasadena High School and John Muir High School, which is played in the Rose Bowl, has been a staple in the city for more than half a century and is regularly attended by students, families and alumni.

The rejiggered schedule could also mean that the Mustangs and Bulldogs will meet twice next year, once in the revised schedule that would begin in December and again in November if CIF sports returns to its regular schedule.

The Turkey Tussle dates back to 1947, when Pasadena Community College and John Muir College squared off. The two colleges played against each other until 1953.

The first game between Pasadena High School and John Muir High School was played in 1954.

According to the CIF website, the football playoffs would end in April.

The volleyball, cross-country and water-polo seasons would end in March. Field hockey, gymnastics, skiing and snowboarding would be determined by section.

However, the Web site did leave open the possibility of resumption of the regular schedule.

“We are continuously monitoring the directives and guidelines released from the Governor’s Office, the California Department of Education, the California Department of Public Health, and local county health departments and agencies as these directives and guidelines are followed by our member schools/school districts with student health and safety at the forefront,” the CIF website states. “As these guidelines change, CIF sections may allow for athletic activity to potentially resume under the summer period rules of the local section.”