UPDATE: Garfield High School triumphed over Roosevelt High School with a thrilling 37-30 victory in front of a record-breaking crowd of 14,000 fans at the 90th East L.A. Classic on November 3, 2023. This marks the largest regular-season attendance for a high school football game in California this season, showcasing the deep-rooted rivalry and community spirit.
In a highly charged atmosphere at East Los Angeles College, Garfield’s new head coach Patrick Vargas, a former Bulldogs quarterback, celebrated his first season with a significant win. Vargas, who has spent years as an assistant under Lorenzo Hernandez, expressed the thrill of leading his team: “When you step on the field, you hear that roaring crowd. You’re going to enjoy that moment and soak everything in.”
The Bulldogs (7-2, 6-0) faced early challenges when star running back Ceasar Reyes, who set a school record by rushing for 420 yards the previous week, was injured in the first quarter. Stepping up in his absence, backup running back Zastice Jauregui proved his mettle by scoring two touchdowns, including a pivotal 15-yard run in the third quarter that pushed Garfield’s lead to 34-8. Defensive lineman Chuck Perez added to the scoreboard with a three-yard touchdown run and recovered a critical fumble, solidifying the Bulldogs’ dominance.
Roosevelt (4-5, 3-2) initially took the lead with an 8-6 score in the first quarter, driven by Jordan Nunez‘s four-yard touchdown run and a two-point conversion from Abraham Cardenas. The Rough Riders mounted a fierce comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring a touchdown and conversion in the final seconds to narrow the gap to 37-30.
With this victory, Garfield is now poised for a crucial matchup against Northern League champion Eagle Rock on Thursday night, which could determine their playoff prospects in the City Section Open Division. As the Bulldogs prepare for this decisive game, the excitement and energy from the East L.A. Classic will undoubtedly fuel their momentum.
This thrilling encounter not only highlights the competitive spirit of high school football in California but also underscores the passion of the community that supports these athletes. Fans are eagerly anticipating what the future holds for the Bulldogs as they aim for playoff glory.
