Garfield Tops Roosevelt 37-30 in Thrilling East L.A. Classic

UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, Garfield High School defeated Roosevelt High School 37-30 last night, drawing an astonishing crowd of 14,000 fans to the 90th East L.A. Classic held at East Los Angeles College. This marks the highest attendance for a regular season high school football game in California this season.

The Bulldogs secured the victory under the leadership of Patrick Vargas, a former quarterback now in his first year as head coach. Vargas, who previously served as an assistant, expressed the electrifying atmosphere from the moment the game began. “When you step on the field, you hear that roaring crowd… That’s the time of your life,” Vargas stated.

Garfield (7-2, 6-0) showcased resilience, particularly after losing star running back Ceasar Reyes to injury in the first quarter. Reyes had set a school record with 420 rushing yards just last week. Backup running back Zastice Jauregui stepped up magnificently, scoring two touchdowns, including a pivotal 15-yard run that extended Garfield’s lead to 34-8 in the third quarter.

The game was not without drama, as Roosevelt (4-5, 3-2) initially took an 8-6 lead in the first quarter. Jordan Nunez scored on a four-yard run followed by a successful two-point conversion. However, the Bulldogs controlled the game until the fourth quarter, when Roosevelt made a late surge, scoring a touchdown and a two-point conversion in the final seconds to narrow the gap to 37-30.

Defensive lineman Chuck Perez contributed significantly with a three-yard touchdown run and a critical fumble recovery. The energy in the stadium was palpable, with fans on both sides cheering and jeering throughout the contest.

As the Bulldogs celebrate this landmark victory, they face a quick turnaround. Garfield will close the regular season on Thursday, November 2, against Northern League champion Eagle Rock, a game that could prove vital for a spot in the City Section Open Division playoffs.

The excitement surrounding high school football in California continues to grow, with last night’s game exemplifying the passion and dedication of the community. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as Garfield looks to secure its playoff future.