John Muir High School Alumni Association

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JMHSAA
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Pasadena, CA 91109

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Updated
April 04, 2009

Turkey Tussle 2005

"Tussle 2005"
MUIR TRIUMPHS OVER PHS
By Ed Moses, Class of ‘56

Neither the threat of rain nor the theft of the Victory Bell dampened the spirit of the mighty Muir Mustangs as they defeated the PHS Bulldogs 37 to 15 Thursday night in the Rose Bowl. In June, the Muir campus was burglarized and the Victory Bell, the perpetual Turkey Tussle Trophy, was stolen from its trophy case. Although “PHS ‘05” was sprayed in red paint on the wall, it is not believed students from PHS were responsible for the theft. Tension from the rivalry continued to mount when the blue Mustang sculpture in front of the school was sprayed with red paint earlier in the week. Shortly after the teams took the field to warm up, prior to kickoff, this anger erupted into a confrontation between the teams, but was soon quelled by Muir coach Ken Howard and PHS coach Kevin Mills.

PHS controlled the ball from the opening kickoff, consuming most of the first quarter with their initial drive. With 2:13 remaining in the first quarter, PHS kicked a 47-yard field goal to take the lead. This was the longest field goal in Turkey Tussle history. After taking the kickoff, Muir scored on their first play from scrimmage to take a 7 to 3 lead.

It looked like it would be a rout. PHS soon dispelled this notion by a convincing touchdown drive to take the lead 9 to 7 after missing the extra point attempt. With seconds remaining in the first half, and Muir threatening on the PHS two yard line, Muir quarterback Forrest Elder tossed a pass which was momentarily intercepted by PHS at the goal line, but the Muir receiver, Tyler Roby literally snatched the ball from the Bulldog and fell into the PHS end zone for a Muir touchdown. Muir took a 14 to 9 lead into the dressing room at the half.

The Muir and PHS bands provided halftime entertainment for the estimated throng of 9000 cheering fans.
Less than four minutes into the second half, Muir scored again to lead 21 to 9, a lead which they would not relinquish.

Super Muir Fan
Mr. Chuck Malouf

Photo by Ed Moses

PHS tried to keep it close by scoring a touchdown with 5:28 remaining in the third quarter, but missed the two-point conversion attempt. PHS would not score again and Muir would score sixteen unanswered points in the final quarter to rack up a 37 to 15 victory.

After the final gun, any pre-game animosity was forgotten and the teams paid tribute to each other as a sign of true sportsmanship and Pasadena brotherhood, but with an unspoken thought . . . wait until next year!

Muir Quarterback Forrest Elder completed 10 of 13 passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns. Muir running back, Willie Youngblood rushed for 190 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Muir finished the regular season with an 8–2 overall season and a perfect 5–0 Pacific League play. PHS finished 3-7 for the season and 2-3 in league play. The last Turkey Tussle win for PHS was 1995 when they defeated Muir 14-7.
Since 1954, the inception of the Turkey Tussle between the two high schools, Muir has won the Victory Bell Trophy 32 times, PHS has won 17 times, with 2 ties. Sadly absent from this event was the ritual at the end of the game where the victorious team rushes to the southern end zone to celebrate their triumph by ringing the Victory Bell. An extensive effort is underway to recover the bell, both through the Pasadena Police Department and private investigation.

Homecoming Queen and Court

Coin Toss at Beginning of Game

...the Game Begins

Deep in Bulldog Territory

Muir Cheerleaders

In the Midst of Battle

Working on Muir Quarterback,
Forrest Elder's right calf.

Mighty Mustang Band at Half Time

Mustang Mascot

Final Scoreboard

Congratulatory line after the game where post-game sportsmanship prevailed over pre-game rivalry.

Tailgate Party Before the Game

Photo's and Story by
Ed Moses

Mr. Chuck Malouf
- Super Fan
- Teacher
- Board Member
- True Mustang for Life
Mr. Malouf wears practically every Muir button that each class has produced over the last 30 years.

As a teacher at Muir (now retired) he was the biggest cheer leader there was. He attends every "Tussle" to support the Mustangs.

When the Association was formed he was one of the first members. Although not a Muir Alumni, the board welcomed him with open arms as one of their own. He and Sterling Williams (retired assistant principal) began the "Friends of the Mustangs" for non-alumni as part of the association.

Today he is not only a member of the board, but he is the 2nd Vice President.