What a difference a month makes.
After a rough 2-4 non-league start, few outside the locker room might have predicted that the South Pasadena High football team would finish the regular season as Rio Hondo League champions.
But the Tigers, showing grit, belief and a whole lot of determination, ripped off four straight wins to go 4-0 in league competition – capturing their second consecutive league title and finishing the regular season with a 6-4 record.
Now, the Tigers have earned a well-deserved bye as they await their first CIF-Southern Section playoff opponent, which will be announced Sunday. The opening round kicks off Friday, November 7.
South Pasadena’s story this season has been one of resilience. After a difficult preseason slate that saw the team drop four of six games, the Tigers, under head coach Jeff Chi and a group of dedicated coaches, regrouped when it mattered most. SPHS opened league play with a 23-21 statement victory over Monrovia then followed it up with gutsy wins over La Cañada (23-22), San Marino (30-22) and Temple City (48-6) to secure the crown.
“Going undefeated in the league was amazing and it was something that we believed that we could achieve,” said Chi. “The non-league season was a means to our ultimate goal – getting ready for competitive league play. And it worked out the way we planned.”
For Chi, the formula for success hasn’t changed. Each year the Tigers set out with four goals: Beat rival San Marino, get into the CIF-Southern Section playoffs, secure the Rio Hondo League Crown and win a CIF-Southern Section championship.
With three of those boxes already checked, South Pasadena will soon turn its attention to the third.
“To win a CIF title, we have to take one game at a time, more importantly, one play at a time,” said the Tigers coach. “We need to win our individual battles, and then collectively, we will have a chance to play in the CIF title game.”
A season ago, the Tigers broke a 45-year drought by winning the league title, finishing 10-3 overall and reaching the CIF semifinals. This year’s repeat performance, following a rocky start, might be even more impressive.
“This group of players have a tough, resilient, and never-quit attitude,” insisted Chi. “We had some setbacks during the pre-season, but the team never let their heads down, rather they kept fighting until the very last seconds of the game. They know the importance of competing on every play. When other teams get ahead of us during league games, our players never panic, they have the confidence to keep playing and find ways to win.”
While South Pasadena enjoys a well-earned week off, the rest of the Rio Hondo League still has playoff implications to sort out. La Cañada (8-1, 2-1) can secure second place – and the league’s final playoff spot – with a win over San Marino (3-6, 1-2) this week. Monrovia (6-3, 1-2) travels to Temple City (3-6, 0-3) which has already been eliminated from postseason contention.
After soundly beating Temple City last week to conclude the regular season, the message from Chi and his coaching staff was loud and clear.
“The word proud was the first thing I mentioned after the game,” said Chi. “Even from the beginning, we believed that we could defend our league title. No matter what anyone else says about our team, the only thing that matters the most is what we believe in and how we conduct ourselves. I was proud of the fact that the team took that belief and kept working throughout the season, knowing that our ultimate goal is something that we can control. I am very proud of them for their dedication, commitment and teamwork that they have displayed for the past six months. Their sacrifice and unselfishness for the team will not be forgotten.”
Chi also credited the South Pasadena community for rallying behind the team during the team’s darkest days and throughout its rebound.
“I really appreciate the support that we get from all those that show up to our games and cheer us on,” he said. “It brings so much energy and positivity to our team.”
As the Tigers rest, recover, and prepare for their next challenge, there’s a renewed buzz around Ray Solari Stadium – a sense that this team, once again, might have the pieces for a deep playoff run.
“We will try to have some fun this week and enjoy this journey that we have created,” said Chi. “We are going to continue to work to maintain our edge and focus on fundamentals, until we find out who we will be playing against next Sunday.”
