First published in the Feb. 11 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.
Photos courtesy Rachel Fox

The South Pasadena High School varsity football team enjoyed one of its best seasons in recent memory after defeating rival San Marino, 24-21, for the first time in a decade.
The Tigers also advanced to the CIF-SS Division XIII semifinals, their first such appearance since losing in the CIF championship game in 1976, according to SPHS Athletic Director Anthony Chan.
Nine SPHS players received awards during the football banquet. Grant Huntley and Noah Aragon earned co-Offense Players of the Year; Alex Gonzalez was named Defense Player of the Year; Ivan Becerra was the Lineman of the Year; Jaden Castellon received the Coaches’ Award; Andrew Buenrostro earned the Captains Award; the Eye of the Tiger Award went to Jason Hong; Aidan Kinney earned the Special Team Award; and Quinn Stirling was Most Improved.