The Garfield Bulldogs defeated the Roosevelt Rough Riders 37-30 in the 90th East LA Classic on Friday night at East Los Angeles College. The win gives Garfield its fourth consecutive victory in the longstanding neighborhood rivalry.
Against a backdrop of heightened anxiety and uncertainty throughout the community, the field at Weignart Stadium became a sanctuary of cultural pride and unity between the two rival schools.
This level of passion was on full display before the first whistle blew, as Roosevelt entered the field waving the Mexican flag to cheers from both sides of the bleachers — a statement of resilience and belonging amid ongoing immigration enforcement.
Amid the energy and pride, the Bulldogs quickly took control of the field. Alex Castro ran a sweep into the end zone for the game’s opening score, before Garfield failed the point-after attempt.
Roosevelt responded in the second quarter, as Jordan Nunez scored on a toss and the Rough Riders successfully converted a two-point attempt to take a brief 8-6 lead.
The Bulldogs’ offense reclaimed the lead after an explosive 30-yard rushing touchdown from Javier Vargas. Just before the half, Chuck Perez powered through for a 2-yard score, sending Garfield into the break with a commanding 20-8 advantage.
During halftime, marching bands, drill teams and color guards performed to the sounds of cumbias and hip-hop, while students from both schools gathered around the Western endzone for a short but energetic DJ set by Grammy Award winner Mustard.
For many of those in attendance, the game has been a defining part of their high school experience — a family ritual and a symbol of Eastside pride.
That’s true for brothers and Roosevelt High alumni Andy Salas (Class of 2016) and Jesus Salas (Class of 2006), who attended the Classic decked out in red and gold letterman jackets. Both played football and continue to come back each year to relive their childhood.
“[The Classic] means community, friends, family,” said Andy Salas, who played quarterback during his time at Roosevelt. “We have families for generations coming to play the Classic or participate in drill, cheer, football. It’s just, it’s just good to see that everyone still continues it, still draws in a big crowd and it’s a good thing to see.”
John Gallegos hasn’t missed the Classic since he graduated from Garfield in 1982. He was part of both the football team and the marching band.
“It’s like heritage. Growing up in East LA, you always hear about the Classic,” he said. “My brothers, of course, family members who went to Garfield. So basically it’s been like a generational type thing.”
This year, Gallegos is glad that the Bulldogs are back at ELAC after having to make the trek to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood last year. “I love it…I’m glad it’s back home,” he said.
The pride isn’t just limited to alumni. Parents also play a key role in supporting those who take part in the Classic.
From the stands, wearing a red and gold bow in her hair, Griselda Perez, 52, watched her sons march as drummers in the Roosevelt and Hollenbeck bands.
Perez says she enjoys coming to the Classic wherever it’s held — whether at Weingart Stadium or SoFi Stadium.
“I think it doesn’t matter wherever we go, the pride we carry it,” she said. “We are the ones who make the home… you make that home, not the place.”
Back on the field in the second half, Garfield extended its lead with touchdowns from Zastice Jauregui and a field goal from Alex Valdez, while Roosevelt scored twice, including a 35-yard pass from quarterback Jason Moreno to Abraham Cardenas and a late touchdown run from Kaleb Hill, keeping the game close at 37-30.
With the win, Garfield improved their overall record to 7-2 while finishing 6-0 in league play. Roosevelt falls to 4-5 overall and 3-2 in league play.
Earlier in the evening, Garfield’s junior varsity team defeated Roosevelt 40–6, and the Bulldogs’ girls’ flag football team shut out the Rough Riders 19–0.
