Story by Gavin Bartolome & Owen Hou
Staff Writers
Photos by Emiko Essmiller
Photography Editor
On Friday, Nov. 8, the South Pasadena Tigers were victorious in a close game against the Patriot Warriors in the first round of CIF Southern Section Division X playoffs. Throughout the game, the score was neck and neck, with the tide of the battle switching constantly. Head Coach Jeff Chi stated in a post-game interview that, “It was a tough game, but they stuck it in there, and they fought to the very end. With that said, the playoff is set up in a way that every team has an opportunity. No one team is so much better than the other.”
The Tigers began the game by receiving, beginning at midfield. From there, the Tigers ran the ball up to the 39-yard line, where sophomore quarterback Andrew Nott threw a pass to senior tight end James Dowd, gaining a crucial 19 yards. From the 20-yard line, the Tigers continued to make progress in small increments until they arrived at the 1-yard line, where junior running back Trey Freking ran the ball into the end zone to put Tigers ahead 7-0 after junior kicker Nicholas Dragonas made the one-point conversion.
Undiscouraged by their opponents’ early lead, the Warriors received the kick from Dragonas at their 39-yard line. Immediately after, they erupted onto the scene, running the ball to the Tiger 24-yard line, and then into the end zone in just two plays, evening out the score 7-7 after the one-point conversion was made.
In shock from the plays that transpired, the Tigers were unable to progress and punted to the Warriors during their fourth down. Receiving at the 15-yard line, the Warriors began their advance, getting to their 27-yard line before the first quarter came to a close.
Entering the second quarter, the Warriors were frozen at midfield, eventually punting the ball back into the Tigers’ possession. With a chance to secure a foothold against the Warriors, the Tigers made one explosive play after another, breaking past the scattered Warriors’ defense. Finally, after using a timeout to regain focus, Freking burst into the end zone for a touchdown, setting the score 14-7 with the Tigers regaining the lead.
Possession of the ball continued to lurch between the two teams, with the Tigers managing to intercept a reckless pass by the Warriors. Although the Tigers made little progress from the turnover, the event further disoriented the trailing Warriors. Minutes later, the Warriors fumbled the ball after receiving a punt, allowing junior linebacker Jasper Heathfield to score a touchdown that brought the score to 21-7. As the second quarter ended, the 14-point difference the Tigers had managed to scrape away from the Warriors would become a key component in securing victory for the game.
The third quarter began as the Tigers kicked off to the Warriors, who received at the 38-yard line. Hungry for more yardage, the Warriors slipped past the Tiger defense and began their onslaught, running the ball to the 3-yard line. Despite their best efforts, the Tiger defense was unable to put a stop to the charge, and the Warriors entered the end zone on their fourth down, lessening the Tigers’ lead 21-14 after the one-point conversion was successful.
To start the Tiger possession, the Warriors kicked a touchback, beginning the offense at the 20-yard line. To advance, the Tigers moved forward in short bursts, eventually progressing to the 30-yard line through a series of short runs. Within a few more plays, the offense arrived at the 42-yard line due to a defensive holding penalty. From there, sophomore running back Rick Matsuda blew past the defense, running the ball 58 yards to the touchdown line, and bringing the score to 28-14 after the one-point conversion.
Still trying to catch up, the Warriors received the ball at the 35-yard line and attempted to begin their charge towards the end zone. However, the Tiger defense stood set in stone, preventing the Warriors from making substantial progress as the third quarter ended.
The air was heavy with suspense as the fourth quarter began. Trudging back onto the line of scrimmage, the Tigers almost immediately threw an interception, allowing the Warriors to make an astonishing touchdown and enraging the fans with the score at 28-21. The Warriors trailed by only seven points.
With tensions rising, both teams became increasingly bold with their plays, hoping to obtain a show-stopping lead against the other. Finally, after barely reaching the 10-yard line, senior wide receiver Jordan Rodgers scored a much-needed touchdown, raising the score 35-21. However, not ready to give up the fight, the Warriors immediately came up with a touchdown of their own. With the score at 35-28, the Warriors punted off the ball; the outcome of the game was in the Tigers’ hands. As the seconds ticked down, the Tigers just barely held off the Warriors from a touchdown, triumphing over the Patriot Warriors 35-28.
Throughout the game, the Tigers managed to stay level-headed, making the most of precarious situations to bolster their lead. In a postgame interview, Nott shed insight into the team’s fiery determination, saying, “It’s win or lose…Yeah, it puts a lot of pressure, but you know pressure makes diamonds.”
Overall, the Tigers battled through an uncertain match, showcasing their grit and skill through decisive plays and an overwhelming offense. When asked in a postgame interview how the team plans to continue through the playoffs, Chi said, “It’s going to come down to who stays healthy…we’re going to start tapering off [our practice] so their legs will be fresh…hopefully that will help us win more.”
Continuing to move through the playoffs, the Tigers will face off against the Valley View Eagles in the Quarter Final on Friday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. away.
