Monday, September 14, 2026

Turkey Tussle Canceled After PHS Forfeits Varsity Games

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

The Victory Bell has been the traveling trophy awarded to the winner of Pasadena’s annual Turkey Tussle football rivalry between Pasadena High School and John Muir High School. The former Santa Fe Railroad locomotive bell has symbolized the rivalry since 1955. [File photo]

John Muir High School only remaining school with varsity football

John Muir High School Athletic Director Alfredo Resendiz confirmed to Pasadena Now that there will be no Turkey Tussle this year after Pasadena High School forfeited its remaining varsity football games.

The annual game between Muir and crosstown rivals Pasadena High School has been played in the historic Rose Bowl since 1954 for the victory bell, a gift to the schools in 1955 from the Santa Fe Railroad.

The game is considered by some to be the third most culturally significant event in the city behind the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl Game.

“It’s 100% confirmed there is no Turkey Tussle,” Resendiz said.

The announcement comes after coaches at Pasadena High School announced they have forfeited the remainder of their games this season.

The cancellation leaves John Muir as the only high school in Pasadena with varsity football.

Programs at Pasadena Unified’s other two high schools, Marshall Fundamental and Blair High School, have been eliminated largely due to budget cuts.

According to an email sent to parents late last week, Pasadena High School lost 10 players who transferred outside the district.

The team lost 21 seniors due to transfers and graduation from a team that went 6-5 in 2025.

Players left Pasadena High School for Baldwin Park, Charter Oak and St. Francis high schools.

This season, out of the 24-man roster, 15 players were either freshmen or sophomores.

The Bulldogs won the CIF Southern Section football championship for the first time since 1933 in 2024.

“These transfers affected the team’s collective skill and experience level,” according to the email.

“After assessing the remaining team and its potential, the school determined that the student-athletes deserved a chance to compete at the varsity level. Now, after three games, listening to coaches’ concerns, and considering how to provide a positive experience for the players, we have decided to complete the remainder of the season as a junior varsity team.”

In the first three games of the season, opponents outscored the Bulldogs 133-14. At halftime, the collective score was 105-0 over three games.

In its last game, PHS lost to Norwalk 42-6.

The loss of the games will have a deep impact. Funds from the Turkey Tussle are used to pay officials for basketball, soccer and other sports.

Money is also used to fund student government at both schools.

“It’s just beyond disappointing,” said Resendiz. “It’s heartbreaking. The greater community is deeply affected by it. A small fraction of people who act like it is important. Those sentiments are frustrating to hear.”