MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(South Pasadena) – The South Pasadena Tigers faced a formidable challenge Friday evening, outlasting the visiting La Canada Spartans, 34-27, thanks to an incredible performance by running back Jason Hong, in an overtime thriller at South Pasadena’s Tiger’s Stadium.

The evening was full of activity. It was Homecoming. It was South Pasadena’s Senior Night. In addition, amidst all of this ceremonial “Pomp and Circumstance”, there was a football game that was scheduled. Everyone was in a celebratory mood. The celebration would eventually take place, but it did not come as easy as originally anticipated.

Calpreps predicted a 38-21 Tigers’ victory. The only problem is that our pundits did not explain this to the coaches and players over at La Canada.

South Pasadena opened the scoring for the evening, when Running Back Gio Cruz found the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown. The PAT was added by Kicker Sawer Fox, making the score 7-0 after the game’s first possession.

The second quarter is when things began to open up. Hong made his presence known, scoring a pair of TD’s in the period. The first score came on a 7-yard TD blast. The second came on a 14-yard run with 1:22 remaining in the game’s opening half. Two more Successful Fox PAT’s made the score 21-0.

La Canada got on the board just before halftime. Quarterback Macky Plocher connected with Wideout Tyler Bond for a 5-yard score. The PAT was successfully added by Kicker Quest Swan, making the score 21-7 at the halftime break.

La Canada tightened the gap in the third quarter, scoring on a 58-yard catch-and-run from Plocher to Receiver Alan Razo. A second Swan PAT was true, making the score 21-14 with 10:51 remaining in the period.

The Spartans added another TD, as Plocher again found Razo for a 60-yard touchdown. The PAT was unsuccessful, making the score 21-20 as the third period ended.

The final quarter brought even more intrigue. The Tigers increased their lead, as Hong found scoring territory for the third time in the contest. Fox’s PAT attempt was wide left, making the score 27-20 with 10:39 remaining in the contest.

La Canada countered, as Running Back Lorenz Bayug scored on a 9-yard TD run. A successful Swan PAT tied the score at 27-27 at the end of regulation. On to overtime.

Last night’s overtime process was played using NCAA rules. Each team got the opportunity to possess the ball, starting at the 25-yard line, first and ten. South Pasadena won the toss and got to go first. With the game on the line, the Tigers chose to put the ball in the hands of their playmaker, Jason Hong, and he did not disappoint, scoring his fourth touchdown of the evening. Another Swan kick made the score 34-27.

Hong finished the evening with 327 yards on 34 carries, as well as scoring the four touchdowns.

La Canada had a chance to tie the score, but it was not to be. Plocher’s pass was intercepted by Cornerback Luke Riffle, ending the drive and sealing the South Pasadena victory.

South Pasadena finishes their Rio Hondo League season next Friday, when the Tigers host the Polytechnic Panthers. La Canada’s final league contest, also scheduled for next Friday, is a home affair against the Temple City Rams. Kickoff for both of these contests is 7:00 p.m.