Alumni from Garfield and Roosevelt high schools face off at the East LA Alumni Classic held at Compton College, Jan. 18, 2026. Credit: Semantha Raquel Norris / For Boyle Heights Beat
Alumni from James A. Garfield High School in East Los Angeles and Theodore Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights faced off Sunday at the 7th annual East LA Alumni Classic.
Held at Compton College, the multi-generational matchup brought families, former classmates and community members together to celebrate school pride and the deep-rooted traditions of East Los Angeles.
Despite the longtime rivalry leading to some heated moments on the field in the second half, the game remained centered on competition and camaraderie. Players exchanged words and brief physical contact as emotions ran high, but the situation was quickly contained. Both teams ultimately showed sportsmanship, shaking hands after the game.
Due to the conflict, the game was cut short, with Garfield High’s Bulldogs defeating the Roosevelt High Rough Riders 19–0.
Members of the Garfield and Roosevelt high school alumni cheer teams perform together at the East LA Alumni Classic on Jan. 18, 2026. Credit: Semantha Raquel Norris / For Boyle Heights BeaMembers of the Roosevelt High School alumni cheer team, wearing gold uniforms, cheer among Garfield High School alumni dressed in blue. Credit: Semantha Raquel Norris / For Boyle Heights BeatGarfield High School alumn Jalen Lawrence, after scoring a touchdown at the East LA Alumni Classic held at Compton College, Jan. 18, 2026. Credit: Semantha Raquel Norris / For Boyle Heights BeatRoosevelt High School alumn Chris Calvillo (right) addresses his team at the conclusion of the East LA Alumni Classic. Calvillo, 42, a member of the Class of 2001, played in his fifth alumni game and had the honor of directing the team this year. Credit: Semantha Raquel Norris / For Boyle Heights BeatThe daughter of a Roosevelt High School alumn wears a “Little Rough Rider” shirt during the East LA Alumni Classic at Compton College on Jan. 18, 2026. Credit: Semantha Raquel Norris / For Boyle Heights BeatThe Garfield High School Bulldogs alumni cheerleaders at the East LA Alumni Classic held at Compton College, Jan. 18, 2026. Credit: Semantha Raquel Norris / For Boyle Heights BeatFans, young and old, cheer on alumni from at the East LA Alumni Classic at Compton College on Jan. 18, 2026. Credit: Semantha Raquel Norris / For Boyle Heights BeatPlayers give it their all on the field at the East LA Alumni Classic. Credit: Semantha Raquel Norris / For Boyle Heights Beat
Semantha Raquel Norris is a Salvadoran American journalist and documentary photographer from Los Angeles. She has a master’s degree in journalism from UC Berkeley and her work has been featured in CalMatters, The New York Times, the Oaklanside, the San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol and more.
