SPHS FOOTBALL | Tigers Edge Panthers for the Second Win

In a game marred by penalties, South Pasadena overcame numerous mistakes to pick up their second win of the season over nearby Franklin High School, 42–35. With the win, the Tigers improved their record to 2–3.

The game went back and forth as both teams were able to move the ball and score regularly, often aided by penalties or turnovers. The Tiger offense was able to gain yards both on the ground and through the air, but was frequently hindered by costly penalties and turnovers.

The Tiger defensive secondary was brilliant at times and porous at other times. It also helped that Panther receivers dropped passes in the end zone that could have resulted in a different outcome. Franklin, located in nearby Highland Park just a few miles from the South Pasadena campus, is usually one of the top contenders in the City Section of the CIF.

With the win, the Tigers avoided tumbling into a losing abyss and now have hopes of turning a disastrous start into something positive as they travel to Covina High School next Friday for another tough encounter.

The game ended with a notable act of sportsmanship by the coaching staff. The Tigers had an opportunity late in the game to score again, but the ball carrier went down to a knee as he neared the end zone. From there, the offense ran out the clock rather than run up the score, choosing not to embarrass a strong opponent.