South Pasadena High finds itself at the crossroads as the Tigers head to Santa Clarita Friday night to take on Golden Valley in a week four non-league match-up.
At 1-2, the Tigers are eager to re-establish the winning rhythm that carried them to a 10-3 record, a Rio Hondo League crown, and trip to the CIF-Southern Section playoffs a year ago.
This week’s contest marks the Tigers’ third straight road game in as many weeks, a grueling stretch for a team still trying to find its footing.
South Pasadena opened the 2025 campaign in rough fashion, falling 62-34 at home to El Segundo. The Tigers quickly bounced back with a dominant 55-16 victory over Arcadia, but momentum stalled again last Friday with a 42-21 setback at Crescenta Valley.
After the latest loss was over, SPHS Athletic Director CB Richards said, “A lot of little errors throughout the game cost us. It was a lot closer than the final score indicated.”
Meanwhile, Golden Valley, comes in searching for its first win. The Grizzlies are 0-3 after lopsided defeats to Westlake (38-14), Crespi (41-16) and Lancaster (56-12).
Despite the slow start, Golden Valley figures to be hungry, especially knowing it is facing a squad also undergoing a slow start, making for a good test from both sides.
South Pasadena comes into it with plenty of firepower behind quarterback Andrew Nott, who has been efficient under center, completing 27 of 48 passes for 439 yards and seven touchdowns to go with his two interceptions. Fellow signal-caller Cody Robinson has also made an impact, hitting 21 of 24 passes for 300 yards and a pair of scores. He’s also thrown a couple of picks.
On the ground, running back Trey Freking has powered the offense, piling up 325 yards on 48 carries and five touchdowns. Sure-handed Lorcan Swift leads the receiving corps with 15 catches for 287 yards (a 19.1 average) and five touchdowns. Grayson Ebner provides another threat, hauling in nine receptions for 184 yards and a score.
Beyond the numbers, South Pasadena knows the importance of regaining its winning ways. After Golden Valley, the Tigers host undefeated Franklin of Los Angeles on September 19 and close out non-league play at West Covina, a rare Thursday game on September 26.
The Rio Hondo League slate begins October 3 when the Tigers travel to Monrovia, a perennial powerhouse. They follow that up with two straight home games against La Canada and San Marino, on October 10 and 17 respectively, before closing out the regular season against Temple City on October 24.
For now, all eyes are on the Grizzlies Friday night, as the Tigers look to win, hit the reset button, even their record at 2-2, and build confidence heading into the mid-point of the season.
