South Pasadena Tigers were on fire Friday night, unleashing a rolling offensive and solid defensive performance to dominate the Temple City Rams, 48–6, in Rio Hondo League action.
From the opening kickoff, the Tigers controlled the grid. Quarterback Andrew Nott set the tone early with a 43-yard strike to Grayson Ebner for the first touchdown of the night. Ebner, who has been a consistent playmaker all season, followed it up with a 45-yard interception return for a pick-six, giving South Pasadena a quick 14–0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The momentum grew from there. Running back Trey Freking powered in from six yards out midway through the second quarter, while Evan Hyun added another short rushing touchdown before halftime. Senior Cody Robinson connected with receiver Lorcan Swift on a 14-yard touchdown pass, and Swift remained on-point on four first-half PATs to send the Tigers into the locker room up 35–0 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Robinson found Tatem Mendoza deep for a 42-yard touchdown, before James Scott joined the defensive highlight reel with a 24-yard interception return for South Pasadena’s second pick-six of the night.
Temple City’s only score came late in the third quarter on a short run by Kenny Cai, but by then, the damage was done.
With tonight’s win, the Tigers clinched the Rio Hondo League top place and is set-up for their postseason play.
Friday’s matchup also showcased the Tigers’ depth, as head coach Jeff Chi rotated in younger players throughout the second half without missing a beat. The defense, anchored by Ebner, Scott, and Swift, held Temple City scoreless for nearly three full quarters and forced multiple turnovers.
South Pasadena now turns its attention to CIF contenders – an the competition is next-level.
Final Score: South Pasadena 48, Temple City 6
