By Ron Vrooman
(South Pasadena) – The Alhambra Moors’ nemesis, the inability of their defense to even slow down the run, reared its ugly head once again in their 45-27 loss at South Pasadena High on Friday night.
Senior tailback Jack Riffle carried the ball 14 times for 195 yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers, who built a 45-14 lead before coasting to victory. Riffle’s TD’s came on bursts of 31 and 70 yards, respectively.
South Pasadena rushed for 389 yards in all and amassed 537 yards in total offense against the porous Alhambra defense.
The Tigers’ quarterback, senior Noah Aragon, completed 10 of 14 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown before getting knocked out of the game late in the second quarter. Alhambra QB Michael Gonzalez connected on 21 of 37 passes for 271 yards and three scores, with one interception, as the Moors sustained their third loss in four games this season.
Senior wide receiver Liam Barajas hauled in all three of Gonzalez’ touchdown throws and made a total of 10 catches for 156 yards. The Moors continued to make progress with their ground game, a development that was at least somewhat ironic given their chronic struggles in stopping the run. Junior tailback Erick Baray ran for 125 yards and a touchdown in 17 carries; it was the first 100-yard effort by an Alhambra running back since 2019.
The Moors will play at home against Trinity Classical Academy this Friday night at 7:00, while the Tigers, who are now 2-3, will travel to Temple City for their Rio Hondo League opener on Oct. 1.
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