Last night’s Turkey Tussle wasn’t just a game—it was a battle for pride, tradition, and that prized Victory Bell, a symbol that has held deep meaning for Pasadena for over 75 years. Under the Friday night lights at the Rose Bowl, John Muir High School’s Mustangs secured another victory over their cross-town rivals, the Pasadena High School Bulldogs, with a dominating final score of 49-13.
The annual Turkey Tussle, one of Southern California’s most storied high school football rivalries, is as much about heritage as it is about football. It all started in 1947 when what we now know as Muir High School returned to Pasadena as an educational institution after serving as a military base in WWII. As the rivalry heated up in the following years, the Victory Bell, which dates back to 1955, became the prize that embodies the spirit of the game. Given as a retirement gift to a Pasadena father who worked for the Santa Fe Railroad, the bell became the ultimate trophy for the winning team, ringing loud and clear for the victors.
The Game Breakdown
The Bulldogs came out fighting, determined to break Muir’s recent dominance in the series. After Muir opened the scoreboard with touchdowns by Alijah Parker and Zion McDonald, Pasadena’s sophomore QB Dutch Burbidge made a key play, connecting with Christopher Solis for a 25-yard touchdown. The crowd roared, feeling the excitement and tension that only this rivalry can bring. But Muir was relentless, pushing their lead to 25-7 by halftime, then widening the gap in the second half.
In a game marked by powerful runs and strategic passes, Muir kept the momentum, seizing opportunities with precision. An interception return and a string of touchdowns in the fourth quarter turned the game into a runaway victory, securing the Mustangs yet another year with the Victory Bell.
The Bell and the Bragging Rights
For the Mustang squad, there’s nothing like the rush of running to the south end zone, where the Victory Bell waits. The tradition of ringing the bell after a hard-fought win is more than just a celebration; it’s a tribute to everyone who’s come before. The bell has spent more time on Muir’s campus over the years, with Pasadena only holding it four times in the past three decades. That statistic weighs heavy in Bulldog territory, but it’s also a motivator—they know that the prize is within reach with every Turkey Tussle, sparking fierce commitment to bring it back home.
Since its origin, the Turkey Tussle has been a game for legends, producing unforgettable moments on the field. For many players, the Tussle is the highlight of their high school career and a defining moment that connects them to the generations who wore the uniform before. Some have gone on to play college or professional ball, but they still talk about the Turkey Tussle and the chance to hold the bell.
A Community Connected Through Rivalry
The annual matchup is more than a high school football game for Pasadena; it’s a family tradition. For decades, families from both schools have come together for this game, rooting for their team and basking in the nostalgia. Parents and grandparents who once played in the game now sit in the stands, watching their children and grandchildren carry on the legacy. For them, it’s not just about winning or losing but being part of a community that respects where it came from.
From pep rallies to student-led campaigns to keep the spirit high, the Turkey Tussle brings out the best in both schools. “The Bell” serves as the heart of it all, a tangible piece of the rivalry that goes home with the victors and becomes a point of pride for the entire year.
Looking Ahead
As Muir walks away with another win, the Bulldogs are undoubtedly plotting their comeback. In Pasadena, winning the Turkey Tussle isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s a matter of legacy. This game is a reminder that whether you’re a Bulldog or a Mustang, you’re part of something bigger: a tradition that brings together generations in the name of competition, camaraderie, and respect.
For the next year, Muir will proudly display the Victory Bell on their campus, but Pasadena is hungry for redemption. With each passing Turkey Tussle, the stakes only get higher, the history richer, and the determination stronger. For now, though, the Mustangs hold the crown—and the bell—and they’ll carry that pride with them until the next chapter of this unforgettable rivalry.
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