MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(San Marino) – The South Pasadena Tigers took advantage of a pair of touchdowns combined with a pair of field goals, to edge the host San Marino Titans, 19-14, Friday evening, in the 72nd battle for the Crowley Cup at Titan Stadium.

In addition to winning the Crowley Cup, this year’s meeting also determined the inaugural winner of the new Boulder League championship. As in past years this meeting is usually packed with excitement and this encounter did not disappoint.

South Pasadena opened the scoring in the first quarter when kicker Jackai Williams successfully converted a 24-yard field goal attempt, making the score 3-0 with 5:24 remaining in the opening period.

The Tigers extended their lead when running back Rick Matsuda hit the end zone on a 35-yard scoring run. The PAT was added by Williams making the score 10-0 as the first quarter came to an end.

The Tigers increased their lead toward the end of the opening half when Williams added his second field goal of the evening from 33 yards out. This made the score 13-0 at the break.

San Marino got on the board in the third quarter scoring a pair of touchdowns in the period. The first score came when quarterback Parker Wilson connected with wideout Chase Mena for a 33-yard score. The extra point was added by Nick Acuna making the score 13-7 with 10:32 remaining in the third quarter. The second touchdown was provided by runner Alex Mavridis, who scored on a 24-yard scoot. Acuna’s kick made the score 14-13 after three quarters of play.

South Pasadena took the lead for good in the final period, when Matsuda added his second touchdown of the evening on a 2-yard blast. The 2-point attempt failed making the score 19-14, with 9:56 remaining in the game.

The remainder of the contest saw three possessions that resulted in the ball being turned over on downs, followed by South Pas quarterback Cody Robinson taking a knee to seal the victory.

Matsuda had a big night for the Tigers, rushing for 173 yards on 20 carries, and the aforementioned pair of touchdowns.

Both South Pasadena and San Marino have qualified for the CIF playoffs, which will begin next Friday evening. Opponents, game locations and kickoff times will be announced Sunday.