Football: South Pas makes things interesting, beats Temple City, 27-17, to create a possible three-way tie.
By Keith Lair Staff Writer
SOUTH PASADENA -- The way Matt Nelson runs his routes and Conor Bednarski throws the ball, the common perception is they have been doing the same thing since at least grade school.
But truth be told, it's only been 20 games.
"I never seriously thought about football until my freshman year," Nelson said. "We played together as freshmen, but his sophomore year he was on varsity and I was playing a little bit on the soph-frosh and JV teams.
"But our junior and senior years, we put in a lot of work. And we've put in a lot of extra work, too."
That 20th varsity game together was a doozy. Nelson caught 11 passes for 179 yards, including two touchdowns, as South Pasadena picked up a 27-17 victory over visiting Temple City on Wednesday. He also had a key interception.
And the Rio Hondo League race has turned into another doozy, too. If Monrovia defeats La Cañada to win the league title outright on Friday, it creates a three-way tie for second with South Pasadena, Temple City and La Cañada all going 3-2. The same scenario, in which one team is out by a coin flip and the other shows up after the completion of the Monrovia-La Cañada game for a 10-yard tie-breaker matchup exists again.
Bednarski completed 15 of 23 passes for 208 yards. He went short and then long to Nelson.
Nelson made a great 34-yard touchdown reception by out-leaping Temple City's Andrew Arida to give the Tigers a 20-10 lead midway through the fourth quarter. He reached behind to catch a 28-yarder to keep that drive going.
"The great thing is he made some plays after he caught the ball," Bednarski said. "We've been working out on the weekends and extra sessions. We have developed some nice chemistry."
Nelson said the defenders were playing him six yards off the ball, which allowed for quick passes. When they stepped up, that's when Nelson went deeper.
"He made some huge catches," South Pasadena coach Ed Smith said. "Some of those catches he had a problem with earlier this year. Conor called some audibles and he and Conor called some good plays for themselves."
But as well as the pair were playing catch, mixed in with Patrick Martin's running game (136 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries), it was the Tigers' ability to sustain drives that won the game.
"It's awesome," Nelson said. "It's not just me and him, though. It's our team making that catch. It's awesome for the team."
Meanwhile, as well as the Rams were moving the ball, they failed to sustain those same type of drives.
Joshua Simangunsong rushed for 191 yards on 30 carries, but the Rams struggled after their opening drive.
"We were never able to finish drives," Temple City coach Mike McFarland said. "We are a running football team. We were able to move the ball, but we made mistakes that put us in long yardage situations for us."
Both teams scored on their opening drives. The Rams then drove to the Tigers 22 where their push stalled and Nick Palmer gave them a 10-7 lead with a 40-yard field goal.
The Rams were driving again when Sean Nang picked off a Mikal Quintanilla pass at the South Pasadena 41 in the second quarter. Martin scored to give the Tigers the lead.
Three more times the Rams stalled after driving into South Pasadena territory, but on those occasions no points came from it.
"We were able to move the chains, but they didn't give up the big play," McFarland said. "The difference was that (Simangunsong) wasn't able to have those breakout runs like he did earlier this season. South Pasadena did a good job defending against that.
"We were able to pin them deep and they were able to change field positions."
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Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
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Goldenarm,
Do you know for sure that TC lost the coin toss?
BFF,
I did not realize TC had 34 straight victories at South Pasadena.
You were right about the demons - makes this a milestone for the Tigers and hopefully a good sign for the future.
This is two straight seasons the Rams missed the playoffs - my prediction was it would take 5 years to return to a normal level of play for Temple City, following the sheer stupidity of "new direction" and the dismaissal of Backus ,etc. For hardcore TC'ers like FB Einstein, myself and many others - it is hard to erase or forget what decisions were made that brought us to this point. Those that made those decisions live under the belief TC fans have already forgotten the folly of their leadership. Not so.
New generations of players and parents assure the bs will dilute in time...and I guess that is good. 2011 and beyond are better off without the leftover negativity anyway. McFarland made it clear it is a new day, hopefully things will continue to get better.
Blair should rally in the manner So Pas supporters did in the offseason and PUSH the admin to do something!!
Good luck to you and Tiger football.
Goldenarm,
I would much rather play tougher oppenets like TC did back in 2007 than beat below average teams.
Goldenarm, I'd chalk it up to a downyear in talent for TC and SP hitting a peak in talent this year. the challenge for SP next year will be to reload with a new QB, new lead running back, and new receiver corps. At least TC will be returning the at the QB position. not sure what your junior depth/skill set was this year.
TC beating Azusa 17-0 in 09 would support your point.
However, the Aztecs have raised their play level since then, while the Rams have struggled.
Goldenarm,
The league that Azusa, Duarte, La Puente, Bassett, Sierra Vista, Mountain View, etc. is very weak. I don't see how this league gets three teams into the playoffs every year. Even though the Rio Hondo League is down, I still believe our league is much stronger than this league and it will show in the playoffs. Thanks for your insight.
Saints4Real
TC was a mediocre 5-4-1 in 07 when we came in and beat 9-1 league champion La Puente Warriors on their home field.
When they announced our record on the PA there was audible snickering and laughter in the background. In the 4th quarter however, it was very quiet.
Yes, the lack of a passing game hurt us.
The reasons are many - there basically was no offseason activity around this, with the coaching transition. I don't lay any fault on our soph QB, whom we protected poorly all season long. The kid is a fighter.
He was shoved into the forefront when we lost not one, but two starting quarterbacks.
Brandon Cox and Copping.
Either QB would be All-RHL by his senior year.
That last comment explaining it was mine btw
No, TC can't because they have a less than .500 record
so...the loser of the coin flip can't apply for an at-large bid?
If SP loses the coin flip, TC makes the playoffs
They cannot apply for an at large
Why is there fire on the ball he is throwing? He must be a good QB!
Miguel,
Does Temple City (4-6)actusally have a chance for play offs?? If so, how do you figure??
Thanks for your quick response!
BFF:
Not sure what happened, but I went into our system and posted the story here on the blog. That probably works out better anyway since our archives stay alive forever, can't say the same about our stories that go on our website.
Miguel, can we get the print copy of the SP/TC story by Keith Lair posted on your papers website? I dont see it anywhere??
Goldenarm, thanks again for the keen observations on the game last night. Bednarski showed last night why he should make first team QB for the RHL and Nelson should make first team also as a WR. They have developed into a fine pass and catch combo this year. SP has also had the benefit of sporting a great running back in Martin, who passed the 1,000 yard mark last night. a trully balanced offensive attack this year for the Tigers. Unfortunatley for TC, there was no passing game to speak of, and the offense this season was based around that fine runner of yours. When it came down to crunch time, and TC had to pass, the glaring weakness in the passing offense was apparent.
schalupa,
The coin flips took place after the game with the Athletic Directors from each school. I am just wondering if anyone has any insight if the Tigers made the playoffs. Please let me know if you do.
Per the article, the coin flips have taken place and the results are known based upon the assumption that Monrovia beats LC? Does this mean representatives of the three schools along with a CIF official met at some location last night after the SP/TC game? This gives the 3rd place team additional time to prepare/file at large bid.
It appears, correct if wrong, that RHL's best opportunity for an at large bid is if SP finishes 3rd with an overall record of 6-4 vs. LC's 5-5 and TC's 4-6? Also, chances for a TC at large is zero because they are less than .500?
Goldenarm,
Do you know the results of the coin toss? Or anyone else in here?
"This was a very accurate statement. TC went to #2 all night long and all night long Simangunsong made his way through the Swiss Cheese. The final stats on his carries and yards will confirm.
However, credit is due to the Swiss Cheese D for keeping TC out of the endzone and stepping up in the clutch. Congratulations to the Tigers."
Fair enough
It was pitch and catch night in South Pasadena. The TC defense decided to sit back and be a spectator, allowing a 10-12 yd cushion on the So Pas receivers....ALL NIGHT. Bednarski simply audibled, looked off the receiver, then flatlined a pass, each time gaining 6 yards, 12 yards or when TC decided to practice their arm tackling mode, 6 points.
South Pas had to be drooling after the Monrovia game, which showed even the average football fan, TC's secondary was in a full time prevent mode, and any pass thrown underneath was an automatic completion. The defense looked to be designed to tackle the receiver AFTER he makes the catch, not to attempt to prevent the catch in the first place. Combine that weakness with a defensive front line unable to penetrate and it spells ELIMINATION.
On offense the O-line appeared totally unmotivated. Simongunsong's 191 yards were mostly of his own doing, with the help of some outstanding and occassionally bone-jarring blocks from our fullback Luis Lopez. The O-line had trouble getting out of the blocks and missed assignments or just got to the assignment way too late to be effective.
Bednarski did what he has been doing for 3 years, throwing nice slant routes, and 5 yard hooks and look backs to the wide outs. How could TC not expect this?
We had 2 turnovers (ints) and So Pas had none. This resulted from good execution by So Pas and a soft, soft, no pressure defense by the Rams. Good defense requires intensity and it just was not there last night under the Rams helmets.
Ram supporters should be proud of what was accomplished this season. I know I enjoyed seeing our kids step up and compete. It is just disappointing when your team ignores an opponents strength and makes no adjustments at halftime either, watching slow death unfold before your eyes.
Congratulation to coach Smith and the Tigers, and particularly to Conor Bednarski, the skinny sophomore who truly developed into a full-fledged leader on the field.
Represent well in CIF.
"SP will have their hands full trying to corral Simangunson's running game; he's very quick and elusive. But then the Tigers would have trouble tackeling a one legged midget with that Swiss cheese formation they call defense."
This was a very accurate statement. TC went to #2 all night long and all night long Simangunsong made his way through the Swiss Cheese. The final stats on his carries and yards will confirm.
However, credit is due to the Swiss Cheese D for keeping TC out of the endzone and stepping up in the clutch. Congratulations to the Tigers.
Dude the quarter back from South Pasadena was practicing with Muir almost the whole summer....Man i wish he had came to Muir.....Just a Random memory after reading about him....
I decided to attend my first RHL showdown this year. And its safe to say that it was a fun time. That QB of SP is a great pocket passer. Its too bad that SP on has one threat at reciever. If they had a few more weapons on offense and a better o line, i think they could hang with Mo Town. It was a fun game to watch. Not a very physical game, but still worth the 6 dollars.
"at leats not yet"
niiccceee
@ grim
No one will be traveling north or will have a long 1 hour drive (unless stuck in traffic). Longest trip will be Valley Christian and the OC traffic. Mid Valley team ate all close by.
Where all the SP haters at now?
"SP will have their hands full trying to corral Simangunson's running game; he's very quick and elusive. But then the Tigers would have trouble tackeling a one legged midget with that Swiss cheese formation they call defense."
10 points, 0 in the second half (starting sp d)
"Lets be realistic, TC will win"
SP won, nuff said
Well TC fans, What happened?
27-17 SP over TC...
I think it can officially be stated that the RHL doesnt deserve two CIF qualifying slots.
Although, one can clearly say that the SP QB may be the best passer in the league.
That being said, a coin flip is not going to help TC LC or SP when they go north on a long bus ride and get their hind ends beaten into the stone age.
27-17 TIGERS WIN
Anon
good point about the flaming football
time to develop a quick release...
TC's best bet is to score first and jealously guard the football. It boils down to defense for both sides and for TC - BLOCKING.
In successful years our line always had a one on one mentality, beat the man in front of you, out hustle him and particularly, have the strength (mental and physical) to own the 4th quarter.
Were it anyone else I would want to see So Pas win, because I think their success this year stems from hard work (offseason)and the involvement of all who pushed for improvement in their football program. With parents and supporters who are passionate - and administrators who are involved and listening...things can turn for the better. It does not come without some pot stirring however. It hurts to grow.
Buuuut, I am a Ram fan and knowing the lows of last season, and most of the kids who went through it,,,
Demons are on our trail as well
Go Rams!!
It could go down to the wire.
Barring any major upsets this week… Azusa, Monrovia, Arroyo, and Covina will remain the four seeds respectively in the Mid-Valley. The two remaining league champs…Whittier Chr and Schurr…are placed to meet the 3 and 4 seeds in the 2nd round, with the better record (Whittier Chr) facing the 4, Covina.
Because CIF places the 2nd place teams on opposite sides of the bracket… LP, BP, and Valley Chr go to the bottom, and TC, ‘Mead, and BG go to the top. By record, the best 2s play each other in the empty bracket, with the worst record of the 2s playing the unseeded league champ.
That leaves the four remaining slots to be filled with At-Large teams. There are four 3rd place teams that qualify with .500+ records: MHS 7-3, SD 6-4, and Glad & LC at 5-5. No 4th place team can bump a 3rd place qualifier…regardless of record (sorry, Sierra Vista). The four slots are filled in beneath the seeded teams so that there are no potential intra-league matchups in the first two rounds.
With that lengthy preface, I give you the Mid-Valley Division Playoff Bracket…
1 Azusa (M1, 10-0) vs. La Canada (RH3, 5-5)
Bell Gardens (A2, 7-3) vs. Rosemead (MV2, 7-3)
Whittier Chr (O1, 9-1) vs. Temple City (RH2, 5-5)
4 Covina (VV1, 9-1) vs. Gladstone (M3, 5-5)
3 Arroyo (MV1, 9-1) vs. Maranatha (O3, 7-3)
Schurr (A1, 7-3) vs. Baldwin Park (VV2, 5-5)
La Puente (M2, 8-2) vs. Valley Chr (O2, 7-3)
2 Monrovia (RH1, 8-2) vs. San Dimas (VV3, 6-4)
“Talk amongst yourselves…I’m verklempt!”
Goldenarm: we are looking for a great evening of exciting football. Like you said, lets hope the refs just do their job, and do it well. Also, I dont think TC is the underdog. SP football has many years of demons to exorcise, and a win tonight would move the program quickly back in a positive direction.
Like every game this year but the Blair game...TC is again the underdog.
So Pas is a good team, and like the Rams have gotten better each week. The PF and PA look similar, both defenses have given up too many points. The Tigers biggest glaring advantage is their smart, experienced strong armed senior QB, where TC has a promising young sophomore behind center. Both teams have a 1,000 yard rusher, which So Pas has got to be extremely pleased about, since those in the know said early on that Bednarski needed this to break open his own game. For the Rams, Josh S has been a lifesaver and put the Rams into games they would been trailing without his breakway threat in the backfield. Not even TC insiders have mentioned much the "other" back, Luis Lopez, a very good blocking fullback
Monrovia exposed some defensive weaknesses which So Pas would be blind not to see, and I hope the TC crew has shored up those areas. I am not going to mention details...but any decent scout would have a lightbulb in his buttocks illuminated over them.
I hope we get a good ref crew, because it has been hit and miss. Maybe the Wed game gets us a select crew...lets hope so.
Go Rams!
how does the South Pasadena quarteback hold the ball when it's on fire like in the picture?