For Week #8, the stage was set for this classic “Friday Night Lights” match-up between the top 2 teams in the Eastern League. The Garfield Bulldogs came in at (1-0) as did their opponent, the South Gate Rams.
Brief Game Summary: The Bulldogs would score the first two TDs of the game and lead the Rams by a score of 14-0 in the 1st quarter. The Bulldogs added another score early in the 2nd quarter and stretched their lead to 21-0. Then, the pendulum slowly began to swing favorably for South Gate as they methodically began to answer back with some offensive fireworks of their own. The halftime score would show Garfield 28, South Gate 21.
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In making a great comparison to another sport, we viewed our game as a championship bout between two highly competitive heavyweight boxers slugging it out to the very last minute. At the end of the 3rd quarter, the score was tied at 35-35. The Bulldogs would go back in front at 42-35 at the 10:49 mark of the final quarter. However, on the ensuing kick-off, So. Gate broke off a 90 yd. kick-off return to close the score at 42-41, Garfield. The Bulldogs added one ore TD at the 9:47 mark, moving the score to 48-41 Bulldogs. But the Rams would then capitalize on several untimely Garfield Bulldog turnovers and miscues late in the 4th quarter, allowing them to score a TD with just 1:51 left in the game, bringing the score to 48-47, Garfield. So. Gate Head Coach, José Casagran then made his decision to attempt a 2-point conversion and go for the win. He would stand by this when the Rams converted, giving them a 49-48 lead. After this score, the Bulldogs attempted to mount their drive with just the 1:51 left in the game. Unfortunately, penalties would cost them a chance to march down the field in the final minute of the game with the hopes of making a come-from-behind winning TD, a game-winning field goal, or at the very least, an attempt to kick one.
From our “Play-by-Play” perspective, throughout the game, each team was guilty of untimely fumbles, interceptions, and penalties. In addition, throw in numerous missed opportunities to the mix and the result was staggering to behold.
So, having said all of the above, it’s time to watch our presentation of Week #8 – HS “Game of the Week.” Hold on to your hats as you settle in for this dynamic and dramatic roller-coaster ride of a game. It will present a full spectrum of what makes football such a tremendous and emotional competitive sport. Glad we could bring you a great look at our local student-athletes competing at this level.
We hope you will appreciate our deluxe coverage of the Garfield vs. South Gate, 2017 Eastern League mach-up. Our feature comes in three stages. The first is our video full game “play-by-play” coverage; the second is our highlight video; and the third is our photo gallery. We hope you enjoy, like, and share our production. Rico Cabrera, Sr./Editor, EastLASportsScene.Com
Photo Gallery Credits: Bob Bernal, Jr., EastsideMedia.tv
