By STEPHEN ACOSTA, Contributing Writer As one walks into the main office of Pasadena High, you’ll notice the walls are filled with schools achievements and history end to end; their own hall of champions. For the last 365 days, in the middle of the hallway, there is something the school hasn’t been able to display […]
By STEPHEN ACOSTA, Contributing Writer
As one walks into the main office of Pasadena High, you’ll notice the walls are filled with schools achievements and history end to end; their own hall of champions.
For the last 365 days, in the middle of the hallway, there is something the school hasn’t been able to display in twenty years, the prized victory bell.
After 20 straight defeats, Pasadena earned a 13-6 victory last season to the shock of many, especially those on the Muir side.
Friday night, Pasadena (2-7 overall, 2-4 in league) will face off against crosstown rival Muir (5-4, 3-3) at the iconic Rose Bowl, in what will their biggest game of the season.
The Bulldogs struggled all year to gather wins, but they head into the Turkey Tussle on a high note after defeating Hoover, at home, 34-14.
Although the Bulldogs will not be participating in this year’s CIF-SS playoffs, Pasadena is preparing for this week as if it were a title game.
“This is our playoffs and our championship game,” said head coach DeJuan Shamburger. “We would love to end our season finishing strong and with a big win.”
In his 10th year with the program, and first as head coach, Shamburger, a Pasadena native, is no stranger to the Turkey Tussle.
When asked about what the atmosphere is like at the Rose Bowl for the Turkey Tussle, Shamburger’s face lit up with joy,
“It’s like you’re at a USC-UCLA game and you have the whole city coming to watch.”
Pasadena is led by its 6-foot-3, 220-pound senior quarterback, Kristopher Jolley.
Jolley is rarely on the sidelines, as he also plays defensive end and is the punter.
The self-proclaimed ‘Swiss Army knife of football’, is playing in his third Turkey Tussle and can’t wait to get on the field.
“This week we have been a lot more focused preparing for them (Muir),” said Jolley. “At school and on campus we’re loose and relaxed, and not letting the excitement of playing at the Rose Bowl overwhelm us.”
Over the course of the year, Pasadena only scored 107 total points, 84 of which came from Pacific League play.
In the 9 games this season, Pasadena has surrendered 292 points.
In order to leave the Rose Bowl victorious for the second straight year, Pasadena will have to try to limit Muir’s offense.
The Bulldogs, on average, allow their opponents to score 32 points a game.
“If we play the way we’re capable of, and play solid defense, our guys will be in a good position to win,” said Shamburger. “Defense wins championships and if we want to walk away with a win on Friday we’re going to need to play defense.”
Tickets go on sale Friday at 5:15pm and a pre-game ceremony starts at 6:20pm that will introduce each schools Homecoming Court and senior football players.
General admission is $12 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.
Admission is free for PHS and John Muir students with ASB cards.
Quotable:
Senior running back Rahad Black: “This year is different, because for the past twenty years, they, (Muir) have won, and now we have the bell for the first time in years, and they’re going to play even harder to take it back.”
Senior offensive/defensive lifeman Ben Beirich: “Whoever wins this game has the pride of Pasadena. It’s the most important game of the year for the city and it’s such an honor to play at such a big stage at the Rose Bowl.”
Pacific League Standings:
Crescenta Valley (8-1 overall, 6-0 in league)
Arcadia (8-1, 5-1)
Burbank (6-3, 5-1)
Muir (5-4, 3-3)
Burroughs (4-5, 3-3)
Pasadena (2-7, 2-4)
Hoover (3-6, 0-6)
Glendale (1-8, 0-6)
‘Turkey Tussle’ History From 2006-Present
2015: Pasadena 13, Muir 6
2014: Muir 24, Pasadena 17
2013: Muir 32, Pasadena 21
2012: Muir 37, Pasadena 7
2011: Muir 14, Pasadena 6
2010: Muir 63, Pasadena 6
2009: Muir 34, Pasadena 12
2008: Muir 13, Pasadena 0
2007: Muir 13, Pasadena 9
2006: Muir 21, Pasadena 6
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