South Pasadena Falls Victim to Bellflower Running Attack, 34-21

By Rich Whittington

(South Pasadena) – The South Pasadena Tigers’ 2022 Football season came to an end Friday evening, as the visiting Bellflower Buccaneers “ran” their Double-Wing offense to near perfection in a 34-21 victory over the host Tigers.

South Pasadena looked like they were going to pick up where the left off, playoff wise, taking the game’s opening kickoff and establishing a 13 play, 77-yard scoring drive, which was punctuated by a 4-yard Jason Hong touchdown run.

The PAT was added by Aidan Kinney, making the score 7-0, Tigers, with 5:59 remaining in the game’s opening quarter. Unfortunately for South Pasadena, this was the last lead that they would have in the contest.

Bellflower wasted little time getting on the board. After a 35-yard kickoff return by Christian Fargas gave the Buccaneers great field position, Bellflower mounted a 2-play 35-yard scoring drive, ending with a 15-yard TD rush by Tray Pinkney. The PAT was converted by Alejandro Robles, tying the score at 7-7 with 4:51 remaining in the first quarter of play.

The Buccaneers took the lead in the second quarter. Christian Fargas, this time from his Cornerback position, made his second impact- play of the evening, returning a recovered fumble 88-yards for the game’s “go-ahead” score. Another Robles PAT made the score 14-7, with 9:27 remaining in the first half.

Bellflower added another score before halftime. The Buccaneers put together a 22 play, 79-yard drive that resulted in Pinkney’s second TD of the evening. Another successful Robles PAT made the score 21-7 as the first half came to an end.

The Buccaneers’ continued their scoring barrage in the third quarter, controlling the ball for 6:05, ending with Pinkney’s third score of the evening, a 10-yard TD rush that made the score 27-7 at the mid-point of the third period.

South Pas answered, as quarterback Jackson Frecking connected with receiver Adonis Thomas for 41-yard catch and run. A second Kinney PAT made the score 27-14 after three quarters of play.

Bellflower added another TD in the game’s final quarter when fullback Tywon Taylor, doing his best Earl Campbell impersonation, rambled 32 yards for the score. The Robles PAT attempt was again successful, making the score 34-14, with 5:47 remaining in regulation. South Pasadena added a final TD, as running back Hong scored on a 1-yard blast. Kinney added his third successful PAT, making the score 34-21, Bellflower, as the game came to an end.

Bellflower advances to the CIF Southern Section Division 11 Finals, where they will be home to face the Walnut Mustangs next Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00PM. South Pasadena finishes the season with a record of 10-3, 3-2 in Rio Hondo League competition, and 2-1 in the CIF playoffs.

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