SPHS Tigers Football Playoff Hopes in Question With Friday Loss

South Pasadena could have locked up a postseason spot Friday night had they beaten Pasadena Poly at home in an important Rio Hondo League matchup

PHOTO: James Jontz | South Pasadenan News | South Pasadena High football vs Pasadena Poly, October 15, 2021

South Pasadena High lost a chance to lock up a CIF-Southern Section playoff opportunity Friday night after falling to Pasadena Poly in Rio Hondo League play.

With the 28-8 loss, the Tigers ended a three game winning streak, including two straight in league play, and compromised their chances of reaching the postseason. A win would have left South Pasadena atop the league standings tied with Monrovia in first place with two regular season games left on their schedule.

PHOTO: James Jontz | South Pasadenan News | South Pasadena High football vs Pasadena Poly, October 15, 2021

Instead, the final two contests on the schedule are significantly important in the Tigers’ quest to reach one their major milestones.

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The top three finishers in league move onto the playoffs and Chi hopes his team will be one of them. “Our goal from the start has been to get there,” he said before his club fell to Pasadena Poly. “The kids have worked hard and I’m proud of them.”

PHOTO: James Jontz | South Pasadenan News | South Pasadena High football vs Pasadena Poly, October 15, 2021

“Too many turnovers and giving up big plays on defense,” said Chi afterwards, “need to focus on fundamentals again.”

The Tigers are 4-4 overall, 2-1 against league opponents as the campaign rolls into the final weeks. They host rival San Marino on October 22 and wind-up the season against Monrovia October 28 on the road.

Meanwhile, with the win Pasadena Poly improved to 4-3 overall, 2-1 in league play.

Watch this space for a full game wrap up.