By Rich Whittington
(Pasadena) – The John Muir Mustangs had their way with the Pasadena Bulldogs Wednesday evening, winning the 76th edition of the annual “Turkey Tussle”, held at the Rose Bowl, by a score of 45-0
The game was a bit “chippy” from, well, even before the start. In fact, the first unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of the evening was levied prior to the coin toss. Unfortunately, this set the tone for a night that included seven of these penalties, two ejections, and at least a dozen pushing/shoving matches that had to be broken up by the officials.
Muir started the scoring display early in the game, scoring on its first possession when quarterback Brandon Valencia found the end zone on an 11-yard run. The PAT was successful, making the score 7-0, with 11:10 remaining in the opening quarter.
The Mustangs increased their lead a few minutes later when Valencia connected with wide receiver Alexander Miller for a 34-yard touchdown. The PAT was blocked, making the score 13-0, with 6:14 to play in quarter number one.
Muir added a safety to its scoring total, as a bad snap on a Pasadena punt attempt went over the punter’s head and through the end zone. This made the score 15-0 as the first quarter ended.
After a scoreless second period, Muir picked up where it left off, scoring an additional sixteen points in the third quarter. The first score was a 17-yard connection from Valencia to receiver Turran Williams. The second score was provided by running back Christian Bozeman, who found scoring territory on a 17-yard TD rush. Two additional
PAT’s, and a second safety, scored in the same manner as the first one, made the score 31-0 at the close of the third period.
Muir’s final two scores came in the game’s fourth quarter. Quarterback Dexter Byrant, playing in relief of Valencia, connected with receiver Talen Hutson for a 29-yard catch-and-run, and reserve running back Owen Grice scored on a 40-yard touchdown scamper.
Two more successful extra point attempts made the score 45-0 as the game came to an end. Pasadena finishes the season at 0-10, 0-5 Pacific League play. Muir finished with a record of 7-3, 4-1, and a solid second-place finish in the Pacific League. The Mustangs will now wait until Sunday afternoon to see who they will meet in the first round of the CIF Playoffs.
Loading ...
Leave a Reply