It’s nice to be home.
After nearly a month away from Ray Solari Stadium, South Pasadena High’s football team returns to familiar territory Friday night when the Tigers host Franklin of Los Angeles.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
The Tigers, 1-3, are looking to regroup after a rocky stretch that began with a high-scoring 62-34 loss at home to El Segundo in their season opener.
South Pasadena bounced back the following week, turning away Arcadia 55-16 for its lone victory in the first of three straight road trips. But the momentum was short-lived as the Tigers dropped consecutive contests, falling to Crescenta Valley 42-21 before being handed a 34-13 defeat by Golden Valley of Santa Clarita last Friday.
The task won’t be any easier this week as Franklin comes in with a perfect 3-0 record after beating Lynwood 41-14, Chatsworth 48-14 and Cleveland 31-28.
The key matchup marks the Tigers first home game since their opening night downfall, and gives them a chance to reset ahead of wrapping up the nonleague campaign at West Covina on September 25, ahead of diving into the season’s most pivotal stage.
It counts the most beginning October 3 when the Tigers face a tough test when they head to Monrovia for the first of four games against Rio Hondo League opponents.
South Pasadena follows that up with two straight home dates – October 10 against La Cañada, followed by rival San Marino on October 17 – before closing out the regular season at Temple City on October 24.
Although the season hasn’t gone as planned, the Tigers – a determined bunch with a no quit attitude – are seeking to find their rhythm. Last fall, South Pasadena captured the Rio Hondo League crown, were 10-3 overall and went to the CIF-Southern Section playoffs.
With league play looming, the Tigers know a chance for some redemption still lies ahead. The team is coming out on the short end of final scores, according to SPHS Athletic Director CB Richards, due to key injuries to some skill players, along with untimely turnovers, combined with a strong non-league schedule.
It hasn’t helped matters that the Tigers lost a pair of top-quality defenders in James Dowd and David Ortega to graduation last June.
“We’ve just been a little out of position on defense, which has cost us,” said Richards. “We will slowly get this fixed with a young defense as the season progresses. I think we’ll be better in upcoming games. Learning lessons from these early contests will help us win later in the season. That’s why we play stronger teams in nonleague – to get better for league play.”
Richards added that new leaders are emerging to replace those who have moved on.
“We will get back on track,” said the Tigers’ hopeful athletic director.
