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

UPDATE: Garfield High School stunned Roosevelt High School with a dramatic 37-30 win during the 90th East L.A. Classic in front of a record-breaking crowd of 14,000 fans at East Los Angeles College Friday night. This attendance marks the largest regular season turnout for a high school football game in California this season.

The Bulldogs’ victory is particularly special for head coach Patrick Vargas, a former quarterback for Garfield, who is in his first season leading the team after several years as an assistant under Lorenzo Hernandez. “When you step on the field, you hear that roaring crowd. You hear that booing crowd. That’s the time of your life,” Vargas expressed earlier this week, highlighting the electric atmosphere.

Garfield (7-2, 6-0) faced challenges when star running back Ceasar Reyes, who set a school record with 420 yards last week, was injured early in the game. Backup running back Zastice Jauregui stepped up magnificently, scoring two touchdowns, including a pivotal 15-yard run in the third quarter that extended Garfield’s lead to 34-8.

Defensive lineman Chuck Perez also made headlines by scoring a three-yard touchdown and recovering a fumble, solidifying Garfield’s defense as they withstood a late-game surge from Roosevelt (4-5, 3-2). Roosevelt initially took the lead at 8-6 in the first quarter with a touchdown by Jordan Nunez and a two-point conversion by Abraham Cardenas.

The fourth quarter saw Roosevelt rally with a strong performance, scoring 16 points and closing the gap to just seven points. However, it was not enough to overcome Garfield’s lead.

As the Bulldogs savor this thrilling victory, they face a crucial challenge ahead. Garfield will close out the regular season on Thursday night against Northern League champion Eagle Rock, a game that could determine their playoff fate in the City Section Open Division.

This classic matchup not only showcased the fierce rivalry between the two schools but also underscored the deep-rooted loyalty and passion of the alumni and fans. The electric atmosphere and competitive spirit remind everyone why high school football remains a cherished tradition in California.