Garfield takes down Roosevelt in 89th East L.A. Classic at SoFi

The Garfield Bulldogs triumphed over the Roosevelt Rough Riders Friday at the 89th East L.A. Classic in a thrilling 38-28 victory, adding another chapter to one of the biggest rivalries in youth sports.

Eastside pride was on full display inside SoFi Stadium, the home of two Los Angeles NFL teams and where the iconic game was held for the first time. 

More than 15,000 fans crowded the stadium, sporting the red and gold or blue and white representing the Boyle Heights and East L.A. schools. They came to cheer on family and friends on the field and “center stage” or simply be part of a deep-rooted tradition. The event included performances by the schools’ mariachi bands as well as a star-studded halftime show from Black Eyed Peas featuring will.i.am, who grew up in Boyle Heights. 

Edgar Rosales, 33, graduated from Garfield High in 2009 and traveled from East L.A. to watch the Classic in person. He used to play for the Garfield team as a student, and a former teammate now coaches the team.

“As a fan, it’s great to be out here supporting what you were once part of as a player. It’s nice to support the kids. They get the feeling that I got when I was a player,” Rosales said.

He was surprised when he realized the game would take place at SoFi Stadium. “It’s great for both communities to be able to come out here and get that experience for the kids,” he said.

Jackie Romero, 34, agreed. 

“This is history in the making. You don’t get this opportunity all the time. You only play at the SoFi stadium if you’re a professional football player. I think the kids are really excited,” says Romero.

Although it’s her fifth classic, this one is the most emotional ever because her niece, Allison Romero, is the head varsity captain for Roosevelt’s cheer team, and this is her last year on the field.

The stadium came alive after Rocio Rivas, the LAUSD board member representing the Eastside schools, flipped a coin to have Garfield receive the opening kick off for the night’s varsity game.

The Bulldogs were off to the races, scoring the first touchdown to lead the Rough Riders 7-0, and sending the Garfield student section into a frenzy. 

For most of the second quarter, Garfield was in complete control until Roosevelt’s first touchdown in the final minute, setting up a thrilling second half with the Bulldogs leading 10-6.

While the players took a break, the Black Eyed Peas hit the stage. Joined by Roosevelt and Garfield’s spirit and band teams, the Grammy-winning group led an epic halftime show and got the crowd going with hits “Let’s Get It Started” and “I Got A Feeling.”

READ MORE: ‘A good, good night’: Riders, Bulldogs and Black Eyed Peas unite for East L.A. Classic at SoFi Stadium

Black Eyed Peas perform with Roosevelt and Garfield high schools at the East L.A. Classic. (Photos by Esther Gomez and Andrew Lopez)

Albert Argueta, who grew up in Boyle Heights and was a student at Roosevelt in the 80’s, said he enjoyed watching the night’s performers, including Black Eyed Peas.

“Everything was good, the mariachis, everything was outstanding. I like the way Boyle Heights unites here, and East L.A.,” said Argueta.

The 57-year-old wearing a Black Eyed Peas cap said he was proud to be from Estrada Courts, the same housing project in Boyle Heights where will.i.am grew up. He said will.i.am “is always doing everything for the community.”

READ MORE: Students ready to ‘Get It Started’ with Black Eyed Peas at East L.A. Classic halftime show

At the start of the second half, Garfield maintained its slim lead, but the Rough Riders had other plans, determined to avenge the losses suffered by their JV and girls’ flag football teams.

Earlier in the evening, Garfield JV secured the first win of the night, 48-12, followed by a 62-0 victory from Garfield’s flag football team.

Roosevelt finally took control, quieting the Bulldog crowd with its first lead.

But the Bulldogs didn’t back down. The rivals went into a back-and-forth battle– scoring touchdowns and taking leads on the scoreboard. One of the largest leads came at the six-minute mark when Garfield jumped 38-20 over Roosevelt. And it was them the rest of the way.

With three minutes left in the game, the crowd erupted in chants of “Let’s go riders!” as the team that had lost three years in a row was close to defeat once again. 

The Bulldogs ended the game 18 points over the Rough Riders, capping off another thrilling matchup between the storied programs.

“It still feels surreal; playing here at SoFi feels like a fever dream,” said Noah Hernandez, 17, captain of the Garfield Bulldogs.

The Classic coincided with several major events in Los Angeles, including the Dodgers’ unforgettable walk-off win in Game 1 of the World Series. Inside SoFi Stadium, Dodger fans erupted in cheers as they watched their hometown team secure a thrilling victory on the giant screen.

READ MORE: Meet the instructor leading Roosevelt High’s student mariachi at the East L.A. Classic

As a member of the Roosevelt Parent Booster Club, Ceci Rodriguez, 44, and fellow parents fed the athletes right before their games. Rodriguez supported her son, Christoper Daniel Rodriguez, who is #11 for Roosevelt High.

“All these boys are considered my boys. I love them each and every one like they’re my own,” said Rodriguez.

For Rodriguez, it’s important that the students who’ve participated in the past come and give back to the current students. “That’s what we’re trying to teach these boys. Once you’re done here, come back and give. Just like you see will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas, they are giving back to the community. That’s what it’s all about.”

The East L.A. Classic began in 1925 with Garfield and Roosevelt High Schools. They played annually except from 1939 to 1948 due to the Great Depression and WWII. Most games occurred at ELAC’s Weingart Stadium, with some at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. In the 2010s, Garfield dominated with a 10-game winning streak until Roosevelt won in 2021.