(Boyle Heights, East L.A.)—[The pre-game team preparation in the Eastern League’s Week #4 “Live Stream” match-up between the Roosevelt Rough Riders and the visiting South Gate Rams was critical for both squads. On their most memorable night as Seniors and Rough Rider football players, those players and their teammates, with a perfect (3-0) in the league standings, were determined to remain undefeated and were setting their sights on the upcoming playoffs, while the Rams came in with a (1-2) League record, and were in great need of a win to possibly keep their playoff hopes alive.]
(Game Summary)—[1st Half] – The score was (7-6) Roosevelt at halftime. The Riders scored first at 8:13 in the 1st period on an 8 yd. run by #8/RB/SR/Angel Ochoa. The PAT was good by #17/LB-PK/Chris Bernal. South Gate scored as the half was winding down when #1/QB/SR/Andrew Gallegos scored on a QB sneak. They missed their PAT. Of Significance…The Riders defense which managed to allow only their first TD by an opponent in league play.
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[2nd Half]— There was no scoring in the 3rd quarter. But, the game remained close until the final 2:15 seconds of the game. That’s when, the Rough Riders went ahead of the South Gate Rams by the score of (13-6) on an 8 yard blast over right tackle by #31/FB/SR/Adrian Soria. The PAT by #17/DB-PK/Chris Bernal was good moving the score to (14-6). However, the game was far from over. In fact the drama was about to unfold in a very “crazy” way. The Rams drove down the field after the Riders kick-off and then, #1/QB/SR/Andrew Gallegos, started to connect with his wide receivers and running backs for nice chunks of yardage. Then with just :56 seconds left in the game, Gallegos went up-top and deep to his running back, #2/RB-WR/SR/Eduardo Miranda for a “quick-strike” TD. However, the all-important 2 point conversion failed. The score was now (14-12) Riders.
With all eyes now focused on Special Teams for the South Gate kick-off, their kicker drilled the ball on a speedy double bounce towards the Rider front line of good-hands people, but a Rider moved 2 yards forward, touched the ball, and then there was a mad scramble for it and the Rams were awarded the fumble recovery. The Riders defensive unit returned to the field with just :52.9 seconds left in the game. QB/Gallegos drove his team down to the Riders 10 yard line in two plays and then, with only :24.6 seconds left, found #11/WR/SR/Jairo Araujo open in the back of the end zone for the “go-ahead” score, (18-14), South Gate. Their PAT failed.
And so the dramatic stage was set for the ensuing South Gate kickoff which was directed to #3/RB/SR/Ramaje Brumfield. He picked up the kick-off on a bounce at his 10 yard line and maneuvered towards his bench sideline. Then, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, reversed his field, and then headed back to the South Gate sideline. After picking up two huge blocks at midfield, he sped past the bulk of defenders now in hot pursuit. With each stride down the sideline, the Roosevelt student-body erupted into loud cheers of joy and amazement, for Ramaje was dead-set on changing the end of this game-story, “From the Agony of Defeat” to “The Thrill of Victory.” Now, at the 5o yard line, he turned on his “after-burners” and zoomed untouched into the end zone with just :03.4 seconds left in the game. The Riders were good on their PAT for a (21-18) lead. After the Riders kick-off was fielded at the South Gate 40 yard line, it was time for the final play of the game, and very fittingly, and in huge recognition of their deep pride on defense, Rams’ QB/Gallegos was sacked by the Riders “Sack-Masters” made up of #7/DE/SR Mark Carrillo, #9/DE/SR/Josue Lopez, and #53/DT/SR/Ruben Castillo. Game Over!!!
FINAL SCORE: Roosevelt 21 South Gate 18
Photo Credit: Bob Bernal, Jr./East Side Media TV
