By Rich Whittington
(South Pasadena) The South Pasadena Tigers held off repeated challenges from the visiting Patriot Warriors Friday evening, posting a 35-28 victory in the friendly confines of South Pasadena’s own Tiger Stadium.
These teams were evenly matched, which made for an exciting, CIF Playoff- worthy contest that kept the fans on their edge of their seats for the entire evening.
South Pasadena opened the scoring as Trey Freking capped off a 10-play, six-minute opening drive with a 1-yard touchdown blast. The extra point was successfully converted by Nicholas Dragonas, making the score 7-0 at the mid- point of the opening quarter. Patriot countered, as Nathan Villanueva scored on a 24-yard TD dash. The point after was converted by Fredrico Madrid, making the score 7-7, at the end of the first period.
The Tigers added a pair of scores in the second stage. The first coming on an 11-yard scoring pass from Andrew Nott to Freking. Another successful Dragonas PAT made the score 14-7, with 56 seconds remaining in the first half. South Pasadena’s second score of the quarter was added defensively, when linebacker Jasper Heathfield intercepted a Villanueva pass, taking it back for an 8-yard “Pick Six”. Another Dragonas extra point made the score 21-7, as the first half came to a close.
The teams traded scores in the third. The Warriors scored first, when Villanueva scored for the second time in the contest on a 2-yard pop. Another Madrid PAT was added, making the score 21-14, with 7:32 remaining in the quarter. The Tigers countered, adding to their total as Rick Matsuda scored on a 48-yard touchdown dash. Dragonas added his fourth extra point making the score 28-14 after three quarters of play.
Patriot lessened the gap early in the fourth quarter, when linebacker Isaac Galiza intercepted an errant Nott offering, returning it 40 yards for a “Pick Six” of his own. A third successful Madrid PAT made the score 28-21 with 11:48 remaining in the contest. South Pas added its final score of the evening a few minutes later, when Nott connected with Jordan Rodgers for a 26-yard pitch and catch. A fifth Dragonas PAT made the score 35-21 with 2:07 left.
Patriot added another score, as Villanueva scored his third rushing TD of the evening on a 45-yard scamper. Madrid added another kick making the score 35-28 with 1:39 remaining on the clock.
The Warriors had one final shot. Unfortunately for Patriot, Villanueva’s last two pass attempts were incomplete, sealing the victory for South Pasadena.
South Pasadena improves to 9-2 and moves on to the second round of the playoffs, where they will travel to Valley View High School to battle the Eagles. Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Patriot finishes the 2024 season with a record of 5-5, 3-2 in River Valley League play.
They have really improved and adopted a Harbaugh like personality as a team this year . Congratulations to this group. Playoffs always a crapshoot with this format
SP has been playing good football. Getting that 8th straight win will be a big challenge though. They have to hit the road, and head out to Moreno Valley Friday and play Valley View.
South Pasadena has won seven straight games; three more victories will give the Tigers a CIF title.