Turkey Tussle Canceled after Player Tests Positive for COVID-19

Friday’s Turkey Tussle game between John Muir and Pasadena high schools has been canceled due to a contraction of COVID-19.

“We have learned that an athlete who was to participate in this week’s game has tested positive for COVID-19. In accordance with the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) the Pasadena Health Department and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) protocols, athletes will have to be quarantined.”

Rescheduling the game has not been ruled out, but the availability of the Rose Bowl could make that difficult. 

The two teams met in April after the high school football season was pushed back due to the pandemic. 

“While we realize that this news is very disappointing to the PHS and Muir communities, the health and safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority,” according to a letter signed by principals from both schools. 

According to the letter, ticket holders will receive a refund. 

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.

In 1955, the Santa Fe Railroad presented the victory bell to PHS at a pep rally for the game. 

Earlier this month the annual game was voted best rivalry in Southern California high school football beating out 15 other games.