Battle For East L.A. Underway | 10.25.17

The long, and much-anticipated wait is finally over for our annual, and highly traditional community event in the form of the 83rd “East L.A. Classic,” showcasing the varsity football teams of the Garfield Bulldogs and the Roosevelt Rough Riders.

It’s all set to take place at East L.A. College’s Weingart Stadium this Friday, October 27th. The JV game starts at 4 pm, while the Varsity game kicks-off at 7:30 pm. While this is Homecoming for both schools, Roosevelt is the sponsoring school and will be seated on the Press Box side of the stadium.

The first “Rivalry Game Week” activity took place last Sunday, October 22nd at Steven’s Steak House when both teams were honored with the 5th Annual “Beef Bowl” sponsored by the Roosevelt and Garfield Alumni Foundations. It was a great opportunity for players, school administrators, and parents to have fellowship with each other. Former “Classic” players and Keynote Speakers, Ernie Ayala (Garfield, Class ’63) and Mario Esparza, ESQ (Roosevelt, Class W’70) addressed the attendees and spoke about their own experiences as participants in the game. They also encouraged the present players to fully involve themselves in the game, as well as performing with a great sense of pride for their respective schools and communities.

The day’s program featured the following agenda: All players were introduced and a special Player Appreciation Award was bestowed upon Isaiah Zepeda, RHS Senior/Linebacker–Wide Receiver and David Raygoza, GHS Senior and Linebacker. Head Coaches Lorenzo Hernandez/Garfield and Ricardo Zepeda/Roosevelt also conducted a Question & Answer session regarding the upcoming “Classic.”

The final presentation of the event was the Senior Awards given in the categories of Leadership, Sportsmanship, and Overall improvement. Three players from each school were recipients of these awards. And last, but certainly not least, a special note of gratitude and appreciation goes out to the “Beef Bowl” Organizing Committee. As stated in their event program..“it is our hope that this event will promote camaraderie and pride between our two schools, and a lasting connection between our communities.”

On Wednesday, October 25th, the two schools participated in their annual joint Press Conference held at East L.A. College’s Garden Center, located under the giant Jumbotron scoreboard. School Administrators, Student Body Presidents, Head Coaches Lorenzo Hernandez/Garfield and Ricardo Zepeda/Roosevelt, plus their team captains, Nick Delgadillo/Garfield and Isaiah Zepeda/Roosevelt all addressed the crowd in attendance. The two captains were joined by several of their teammates. Other media organizations that were in attendance included the  Telemundo Network, and the SoCal Prep Insider/Fox Sports West. And without failing, a special thanks goes out to Miguel Torres/Angel Flight Media, the longtime Media Coordinator for the Press Conference and the “Classic” and Mike Flores who served as Master of Ceremonies.

Several more on-campus “Spirit Week” activities will be held for the remainder of the week. And, for more information regarding ticket purchases, please contact either school during regular school hours. Rico Cabrera, Sr./Editor, EastLASportsScene.Com

Photo Gallery Credits: Press Conference, Erik Sarni, EastLASportsScene.Com; Roosevelt vs. Westchester, Rudy Tellez, CTM Photography; Garfield vs. South Gate, Bob Bernal, Jr.; Roosevelt vs. South Gate, Erik Sarni, EastsideMediaTV.