SPHS FOOTBALL | Tigers Hang on for Season Opening Win

PHOTO: Henk Friezer | The South Pasadenan | South Pasadena High School varsity football vs. Shurr High School on August 18, 2023.

In a game marred by penalties and turnovers, South Pasadena hung on to win their season opener against visiting Schurr 27-22.

It appeared to be a game that neither team could get traction on with Schurr giving the Tigers two quick scores after blocked punts on their first two possessions. The Tigers took advantage of the Spartan mistakes to take a 20-point first half lead thanks to their defense.

The second half proved to be a different story as the South Pas offense sputtered and was able to score only once. Schurr mounted a comeback and came within five points and appeared to score but the wide open Spartan receiver dropped the ball.

Schurr was able start running the ball and complete passes against a porous Tiger secondary, but were stymied by numerous penalties and turnovers. The game also was a cause for concern for the coaching staff as star player, James Dowd, who plays both offense and defense and was pre-season all CIF pick, went out injured on several occasions. But to his credit he returned each time after treatment by trainers. All in all South Pas was lucky to hold on for the victory. They will next host Maywood at Roosevelt Field on Thursday.

“For a first football game of the year, we expected some first game jitters,” Head Coach Jeff Chi tells us. “Our offense missed some great opportunities but with a great special team and defensive effort in the first half, we got out to a comfortable lead. Second half was a hard fought battle between the teams and we did enough to get away with a win.”

Chi went on to say, “we will assess our players and fix the mistakes and get ready for Maywood this Thursday. Maywood, with a new head coach, we are expecting a totally different team than last year. We have to be ready for another physical game.”

Tiger Nation get ready.