UPDATE: Garfield High School triumphed over Roosevelt High School in a nail-biting finish, winning 37-30 at the 90th East L.A. Classic on Friday night. The game, held at East Los Angeles College, drew an astonishing crowd of 14,000 fans, marking the largest regular season attendance for a high school football game in California this season.
In an electrifying atmosphere fueled by passionate alumni and supporters, Garfield secured victory under the leadership of head coach Patrick Vargas, a former Bulldogs quarterback in his first season at the helm. Vargas, who previously served as an assistant coach, expressed the thrill of the moment: “When you step on the field, you hear that roaring crowd. You hear that booing crowd. That’s the time of your life,” he said.
The Bulldogs (7-2, 6-0) showcased their depth when backup running back Zastice Jauregui stepped up after All-City running back Ceasar Reyes sustained an injury in the first quarter. Jauregui, known for his athletic prowess, scored 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 contributed to the Bulldogs’ success with a three-yard touchdown run and a fumble recovery, further solidifying Garfield’s position. The game had its tense moments as Roosevelt (4-5, 3-2) briefly surged ahead 8-6 in the first quarter, driven by a four-yard touchdown run from Jordan Nunez and a successful two-point conversion by Abraham Cardenas.
The fourth quarter was nothing short of dramatic, with Roosevelt mounting a fierce comeback, scoring 16 points in the final moments to narrow the margin to just seven at 37-30. Despite the loss, the Rough Riders displayed resilience, pushing until the final whistle.
Garfield now faces a critical challenge as they close out the regular season on Thursday night against Northern League champion Eagle Rock. This match could determine a coveted playoff berth in the City Section Open Division, leaving fans eager for what lies ahead.
As the excitement from the East L.A. Classic reverberates through the community, the focus shifts to the Bulldogs’ upcoming game, which promises to be another thrilling encounter for high school football fans.
