Garfield Triumphs Over Roosevelt in Thrilling 90th East L.A. Classic

UPDATE: Garfield High School has just claimed a nail-biting 37-30 victory over Roosevelt High School in front of a record-breaking crowd of 14,000 fans at the 90th East L.A. Classic held at East Los Angeles College last night. This thrilling match marks the largest regular-season attendance for a high school football game in California this season.

The game showcased the passion and loyalty of alumni and fans alike, turning the stadium into a sea of school colors and enthusiasm. Head coach Patrick Vargas, a former Bulldogs quarterback, celebrated his first season at the helm with this significant victory after years of coaching under Lorenzo Hernandez.

“When you step on the field, you hear that roaring crowd. You hear that booing crowd. That’s the time of your life,” Vargas stated earlier this week. “You’re going to enjoy that moment and soak everything in.”

In an unexpected turn, Garfield (7-2, 6-0) leaned on backup running back Zastice Jauregui after All-City running back Ceasar Reyes was sidelined due to injury in the first quarter. Reyes had made headlines just a week ago with a school-record 420 rushing yards.

Jauregui, stepping into the spotlight, delivered an impressive performance, scoring two touchdowns, including a crucial 15-yard run during the third quarter that extended Garfield’s lead to 34-8. Not to be outdone, defensive lineman Chuck Perez contributed with a three-yard touchdown run and recovered a fumble, solidifying the Bulldogs’ dominance.

Roosevelt (4-5, 3-2) managed to take a fleeting lead at 8-6 in the first quarter, thanks to a touchdown from Jordan Nunez who scored on a four-yard run, followed by a successful two-point conversion. However, Garfield’s relentless offense kept them ahead throughout most of the game.

As the fourth quarter unfolded, Roosevelt made a late-game surge, scoring 16 points and narrowing the gap to just 37-30 with a final touchdown and two-point conversion in the closing seconds. The excitement left fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

Garfield now faces an urgent challenge ahead, as they prepare for their last regular-season game against Northern League champion Eagle Rock on Thursday night. This matchup could be pivotal in determining their playoff prospects for the City Section Open Division.

As the excitement continues to build, fans and players alike are eager to see if Garfield can maintain momentum and secure their position in the playoffs.