UPDATE: Garfield High School has just clinched a thrilling 37-30 victory over Roosevelt High School in the highly anticipated 90th East L.A. Classic at East Los Angeles College, drawing an impressive crowd of 14,000 fans on the evening of October 20, 2023. This remarkable turnout marks the largest regular-season attendance for a high school football game in California this season.
In a game filled with electrifying moments, Garfield’s first-year head coach, Patrick Vargas, a former Bulldogs quarterback, celebrated his team’s hard-fought win against a fierce rival. Vargas, who has dedicated years to the program under former coach Lorenzo Hernandez, expressed the joy of coaching in front of such a passionate crowd. “When you step on the field, you hear that roaring crowd. You’re going to enjoy that moment and soak everything in,” he stated earlier this week.
The Bulldogs (7-2, 6-0) showcased resilience, particularly after losing All-City running back Ceasar Reyes to injury in the first quarter. Backup running back Zastice Jauregui stepped up, scoring two critical 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 his mark with a three-yard touchdown run and a fumble recovery.
Roosevelt (4-5, 3-2) made a spirited effort, briefly taking an 8-6 lead in the first quarter thanks to a touchdown from Jordan Nunez and a successful two-point conversion from Abraham Cardenas. The Rough Riders rallied with a touchdown and two-point conversion in the final seconds, narrowing the gap to 37-30 during an explosive fourth quarter.
As Garfield prepares to celebrate this hard-earned victory, the focus quickly shifts to their upcoming challenge. The Bulldogs will face Northern League champion Eagle Rock on Thursday night in what could be a decisive game for a playoff berth in the City Section Open Division.
Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting season unfolds, and be sure to share this thrilling victory with fellow fans!
