MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(South Pasadena) – The South Pasadena Tigers came up just short Friday evening losing to the visiting La Canada Spartans, 29-22, in front of a very vocal crowd at Tigers Stadium.

The evening started off with a moment of silence commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The ceremony also featured members of the South Pasadena Police and Fire Departments, who served as honorary captains during the coin toss.

La Canada opened the scoring when quarterback Joe Bell connected with wide receiver Ross Piken for a 24-yard score. The point after was added by Connor Alexander, making the score 7-0 with 2:43 remaining in the first quarter.

South Pasadena answered early in the second period when quarterback Cody Robinson scored on a two-yard blast. The two-point conversion by Robinson made the score 8-7 with 10:48 remaining in the opening half.

The Spartans answered with a score of their own when Bell crossed the goal line on a five-yard run. Alexander nailed his second extra point making the score 14-8 with 7:15 remaining on the clock.

South Pasadena scored again in the second quarter when Robinson chalked up six points on a one-yard pop. Jackai Williams booted the extra point to give the Tigers a 15-14 lead at halftime.

The teams traded punches touchdowns in the third quarter. La Canada scored first as Bell found Piken for their second connection of the evening, this one coming on a 25-yard catch and run. Another successful Alexander kick put the Spartans back on top 21-15 with 8:31 remaining in the quarter.

The Tigers responded on a 10-yard touchdown scamper by Ethan Nott. Williams’ PAT put South Pas back on top 22-21 as the third period ended.

The Spartans took the lead for good late in the final period. La Canada put together a 10 play, 79-yard drive which culminated with Bell picking up his second rushing touchdown of the evening from three yards out. Bell also found the end zone on the two-point conversion to make it 29-22 as the game came to an end.

Bell finished the night with 158 yards rushing, 122 yards passing, and four touchdowns. Also running well for the Spartans was running back Chase Regan, who contributed 135 yards of his own.

La Canada, now 4-0, will pay a visit to St. Francis next Friday where the Spartans will meet the 1-2 Golden Knights. South Pasadena, 2-3, will look to rebound as they travel to Franklin High School to play the 1-4 Panthers.