Our Week #9 “Game of the Week” featured the Roosevelt Rough Riders (0-2) taking on the South Gate Rams (2-0) in a most important Eastern League match-up. For the Rough Riders, it was critical to end their current three game losing streak and come out with a badly needed home victory. On the other hand, the Rams would do everything in their power to keep their four game winning streak alive, while at the same time, keeping their eyes on the prize of winning the 2017 Eastern League championship.
Brief Game Summary: South Gate relied heavily on its run and pass games to build a 21-0 lead over Roosevelt in the first quarter. Playing leading roles for the offense were QB/Ernie Arcia, his RB, Carlos Sanchez, and a trio of WRs led by Dondell Findley, Will Lucas, and Devontai Jenkins. The Riders would answer back in the 2nd quarter with a 45 yard “Pick 6” by DE/Giovanny Delgado and then a 5 yard TD run by RB/Isaiah Zepeda. The Rams added one more TD before the half ended, moving the score to 27-13 in their favor.
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The Riders showed sustained confidence in scoring their third TD in the 3rd quarter when their excellent RB/Frankie Cruz romped into the end zone after a 29 yd. run from scrimmage. Then, in contrast to keeping this momentum, the Riders would hurt themselves with costly interceptions in the second half, which killed their chances of mounting a rally and putting additional scores on the board. The Rams closed out the game with three more TDs, two by air in the third quarter, and one by ground in the fourth quarter. The final score, South Gate 49, Roosevelt 20.
Up next for South Gate, a road game at Huntington Park. For the Rough Riders, it’s on to the 83rd “East L.A. Classic” vs. longtime rival, the Garfield Bulldogs, on Friday, October 27th at East L.A.College. Kick-off is set for 7:30 pm. Rico Cabrera, Sr./Editor, EastLASportsScene.Com
