UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, Garfield High School defeated Roosevelt High School 37-30 at the 90th East L.A. Classic on Friday night, drawing an astonishing crowd of 14,000 fans at East Los Angeles College. This marks the largest regular season attendance for a high school football game in California this season, underscoring the deep-rooted rivalry and passion among alumni and supporters.
The Bulldogs, now boasting a record of 7-2, 6-0, delivered a dramatic performance under the leadership of first-year head coach Patrick Vargas, a former quarterback for Garfield. “When you step on the field, you hear that roaring crowd. That’s the time of your life,” Vargas expressed earlier this week, highlighting the electric atmosphere that surrounded the game.
In a pivotal moment, backup running back Zastice Jauregui stepped up in place of All-City running back Ceasar Reyes, who was injured after the first quarter. Jauregui, known for his athleticism, scored two touchdowns, including a critical 15-yard run in the third quarter that extended Garfield’s lead to 34-8. Defensive lineman Chuck Perez also made headlines with a remarkable three-yard touchdown run and a fumble recovery during the game.
Roosevelt, now at 4-5, 3-2, initially took an 8-6 lead in the first quarter with a touchdown from Jordan Nunez followed by a two-point conversion from Abraham Cardenas. However, Garfield quickly regained control, and despite a late surge by Roosevelt in the fourth quarter—where they scored 16 points to narrow the gap—Garfield held on for the win.
As the Bulldogs celebrate this hard-fought victory, they must quickly refocus. Garfield faces Eagle Rock on Thursday night in a game that could be crucial for their playoff hopes in the City Section Open Division. Fans and players alike are eager to see if the Bulldogs can maintain their momentum as the regular season draws to a close.
Stay tuned for updates on Garfield’s upcoming match and the implications it may hold for the playoffs. This victory is not just a testament to skill, but also to the spirit of community and school pride that defines high school football in California.