Garfield High School junior running back Ceasar Reyes broke the school’s single-game rushing record last Friday, cementing his place in Bulldogs history ahead of this week’s East LA Classic.
Reyes ran for 420 yards and four touchdowns in a 39-28 win over South Gate, pushing the team one step closer to the Eastern League title.
The previous record of 417 yards was set by Ricky Solorio in 1982, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The record-setting performance brings Reyes’ season total to 1,643 rushing yards to go along with 23 touchdowns, according to MaxPreps. His focus now shifts to the face-off against Roosevelt High School.
“I look forward to playing in it,” Reyes told The Times. “Definitely have a bunch of nerves and the excitement is crazy.”
Reyes’ athletic feat adds to the anticipation around one of the nation’s most historic high school rivalries. Last year’s game drew thousands of fans to SoFi Stadium for a 38-28 Garfield victory, featuring a halftime show by Boyle Heights native will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas.
The 90th edition of the game will be played on Friday, Oct. 24, at East Los Angeles College.