Garfield Triumphs Over Roosevelt in Thrilling 90th East L.A. Classic

UPDATE: Garfield High School has clinched a thrilling 37-30 victory over Roosevelt High School in front of an electrifying crowd of 14,000 fans at the 90th East L.A. Classic, held at East Los Angeles College on Friday night. This remarkable turnout marks the largest regular season attendance for a high school football game in California this season, showcasing the deep loyalty and passion alumni hold for their schools.

In a dramatic showdown, Garfield’s newly appointed head coach Patrick Vargas, a former Bulldogs quarterback and assistant to Lorenzo Hernandez, celebrated his first major victory at the helm. “When you step on the field, you hear that roaring crowd. You hear that booing crowd. That’s the time of your life,” Vargas stated earlier this week, emphasizing the emotional impact of this storied rivalry.

The game saw key contributions from backup running back Zastice Jauregui, who stepped up in place of All-City running back Ceasar Reyes after he was injured in the first quarter. Jauregui, renowned as one of the team’s best athletes, scored two touchdowns, including a pivotal 15-yard run in the third quarter that expanded Garfield’s lead to 34-8. Defensive lineman Chuck Perez also made headlines with a three-yard touchdown run and a crucial fumble recovery, solidifying the Bulldogs’ dominance in the second half.

Roosevelt briefly took the lead at 8-6 in the first quarter, thanks to a four-yard touchdown run by Jordan Nunez and a successful two-point conversion by Abraham Cardenas. However, Garfield quickly regained control, ultimately leading by as much as 26 points before Roosevelt rallied in the fourth quarter. Despite scoring a touchdown and converting a two-point attempt in the final seconds, the Rough Riders fell short.

With this victory, Garfield (7-2, 6-0) not only celebrated a historic win but also shifted their focus to an upcoming crucial match. The Bulldogs are set to face off against Northern League champion Eagle Rock on Thursday night, a game that could decide their playoff fate in the City Section Open Division.

As excitement mounts for this high-stakes encounter, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on Garfield’s playoff prospects. The emotional weight of this rivalry, coupled with the urgent implications of the upcoming game, ensures that the spirit of competition will remain high in East L.A.