By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor Muir coach Antyone Sims was 2-0 as a player for the Mustangs in the Turkey Tussle against crosstown rival Pasadena. Sims and the Mustangs had a 20-game winning streak in the battle for the ‘victory bell,” through 2014. In his first year as head coach last season, Pasadena shocked Sims […]
By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor
Muir coach Antyone Sims was 2-0 as a player for the Mustangs in the Turkey Tussle against crosstown rival Pasadena.
Sims and the Mustangs had a 20-game winning streak in the battle for the ‘victory bell,” through 2014.
In his first year as head coach last season, Pasadena shocked Sims and the Mustangs, 13-6.
And for 365 days, Sims has waited for the chance to start a new win streak and to return the victory bell to where he believes it belongs.
Muir gets its chance Friday night at the Rose Bowl.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Mustangs (5-4 overall, 3-3 in league) have been on a roller coaster of a season.
It opened the season with two straight wins and then Muir lost four games in a row.
The good news for Mustangs’ fans, though, is Muir is heading into Friday on a 3-game win streak, and has a playoff berth in sight.
“It’s very important for us to come out Friday and get the bell back and secure our spot in the playoffs,” Sims said. “We feel like we have an advantage in team speed. We might be small in certain areas, but our quickness and speed gives us an advantage Friday.”
Sims reflected about how it is for the kids and coaches to play on the hallowed Rose Bowl turf.
“It’s a very special feeling to play on a field where Super Bowls, National Championships and USC-UCLA games have been played,” Sims said. “Just to be in high school and to be able to play there is really special.”
Sims expects seniors Darren Meyers, Ahmir Davis, Elijah Blades, Fred Tucker, Cameron Simmons and Jordan Baker all to play huge roles in a potential Muir victory.
Meyers, the Muir quarterback has thrown for over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdown passes.
“It was devastating last year. The whole football team felt like it let the alumni from the last 20 years down,” Meyers said. “We just need to come out and be aggressive and physical. Our guys are better than their guys. We have better lineman, better skilled players, better running backs, linebackers, every thing.”
Meyers has targeted Davis and Blades much of the year.
Davis has 10 touchdown catches and 800 yards receiving.
“It was hurtful for me coming in as a senior. I looked up to other seniors and they couldn’t pull it off,” Davis said. ” I need to show the little guys (teammates) how to play, because I’ve been there before. It’s really important, because I’ve had family members who have played in (this game) and they’ve always told me how important it is. We need to get the ball to our playmakers.”
Tickets go on sale Friday at 5:15 and a pre-game ceremony starts at 6:20, 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.
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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