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Garfield lineman predicts another victory over Roosevelt

Garfield Garfield offensive lineman Efrain Gonzalez didn't exactly guarantee victory over rival Roosevelt in the Classic game this Friday at East Los Angeles College.

But the senior didn't exactly sound as if he gives the Rough Riders much of a chance.

"This game prepares us for tough playoff games," Gonzalez said. "It's electrifying. But if we come out hard and play our style of football, I think we should be able to beat them again."

Roosevelt quarterback Jesse Diaz, also a senior, made no predictions but noted the danger of being too emotional in a rivalry game. "It will be which team can take control of their emotions, handle it well, and not make mistakes."

-- Mike Terry

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As usual, it's more than just a game for Garfield and Roosevelt

On the eve of the 73rd meeting between Garfield and Roosevelt, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Friday at East Los Angeles College, both coaches will remind their teams of what the game means outside of the historic rivalry.

It will probably take a victory over the Bulldogs and another next week over South Gate for Roosevelt (4-4, 1-3) to earn one of the 16 slots in the Invitational playoff bracket.

"We know once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen," Rough Riders Coach Javier Cid said. "Our priority is to win this game. But getting into the playoffs is more important."

Garfield Coach Lorenzo Hernandez is pretty sure his team will reach the playoffs. The only question is where it will be seeded. The Bulldogs (6-2,3-1), who finish their season next week against Bell, have only lost to Jordan in league play. But Jordan is being investigated by the City Section office for possibly using an ineligible player. If the Eastern League title drops into Garfield's lap, the Bulldogs could earn one of the top four Invitational seeds.

"I think we're in our own little position regardless of whether we finish first or second," Hernandez said. "We've just got to win out; that's our bottom line."

-- Mike Terry



By RON GUILD, Sports Editor 01.NOV.07

This one can be billed as a classic contrast in styles.

Garfield and Roosevelt high schools enter the 73rd East Los Angeles Classic football game, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at East L.A. College, with totally different approaches for getting the job done.

As Roosevelt coach Javier Cid said, “Garfield is very basic offensively. They have a very dominating offensive line and they run the ball. We’ve got to throw the ball and throw it well. We’re not big on the offensive line like they are, so we have to be creative on offense.

“It always comes down to mental mistakes. There are one or two plays every game that make the difference. That’s probably going to be the case here.”

Garfield coach Lorenzo Hernandez expects a tougher test than the 2006 Classic his Bulldogs won, 35-13.

“This is their second year running that system and they are more crisp in the way they do it,” he said. “They understand what they want to do better than last year. I think they are a lot better than what their record shows.”

More than 23,000 are expected to pack Weingart Stadium for the latest installment in the series that began in 1925 and has Roosevelt leading 38-28-6. Garfield has won the last two.

The Bulldogs (6-2, 3-1) are looking to bounce back from last week’s 42-22 loss to Jordan that secured Jordan the Eastern League title. Roosevelt (4-4, 1-3), a loser to Huntington Park last week, is trying to keep its playoff hopes alive.

It comes down to a test of wills: Garfield’s ability to run against the Rough Rider’s ability to throw.

Sergio Macedo (91 carries for 568 yards, seven touchdowns) and Franky Diaz (91 for 519, nine) share the tailback spot. Quarterback Javier Alcantar (37 of 74 for 545 yards, three TDs) throws just enough to keep defenses honest.

The Rough Riders counter with junior quarterback Jesse Diaz, the City Section’s third-ranked passer with 1,560 yards and 12 TDs through the air. Receivers Manny Ayon (29 catches for 444 yards, four TDs) and Art Hernandez (16 for 289, one) have been his main targets. Three-year starting tailback Jonathan Torres has rushed for 552 yards and five scores on 83 carries.

Defensively, both teams have their standouts are the middle linebackers — David Lopez for Garfield, Jeremy Aguilar for Roosevelt. Lopez, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound senior, has a team-best 81 tackles. Aguilar leads the Riders with 70.

Cid is especially impressed with Garfield’s defense.

“That is really the key to their success,” the Rough Rider coach said. “They held San Pedro to 14 points and San Pedro is coming off being in the 4-A title game.”

The passing of Diaz will be a test for the Bulldogs, who gave up 283 yards passing to Jordan’s James Boyd last week. Diaz was 23-for-29 passing in last year’s Classic.

“That was very humbling for our defense what happened against Jordan,” Hernandez said. “We haven’t played anybody with that kind of speed. Roosevelt throws the ball, too, but they don’t quite have the speed of Jordan.”

There are no concerns about his Bulldogs bouncing back.

“I think we will play well,” he said. “We’ve had this system in place for four years and I expect us to make it work.”

As usual, it's more than just a game for Garfield and Roosevelt
On the eve of the 73rd meeting between Garfield and Roosevelt, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Friday at East Los Angeles College, both coaches will remind their teams of what the game means outside of the historic rivalry.
It will probably take a victory over the Bulldogs and another next week over South Gate for Roosevelt (4-4, 1-3) to earn one of the 16 slots in the Invitational playoff bracket.
"We know once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen," Rough Riders Coach Javier Cid said. "Our priority is to win this game. But getting into the playoffs is more important."
Garfield Coach Lorenzo Hernandez is pretty sure his team will reach the playoffs. The only question is where it will be seeded. The Bulldogs (6-2,3-1), who finish their season next week against Bell, have only lost to Jordan in league play. But Jordan is being investigated by the City Section office for possibly using an ineligible player. If the Eastern League title drops into Garfield's lap, the Bulldogs could earn one of the top four Invitational seeds.
"I think we're in our own little position regardless of whether we finish first or second," Hernandez said. "We've just got to win out; that's our bottom line."
-- Mike Terry

I am an alumni or Roosevelt High School as a player it is special to play a big crowd like 22,000 plus fans , I am proud to see them win Go "Rough Riders" Awesome to be a part or tradition Rivalry Game like Roosevelt vs Garfield "East L.A. Classic" and you know anything can happen we won city champs in "84,85" back to back. We have the Bragging Rights Yeah Baby!... William Garcia off LA Times

Bulldog alumni player 1968, 69, 70 and alumni coach 1975-1982. Never ceases to amaze me how much energy flows from the rivalry, the community and ELAC on game day. Those of us who have had the privilege to participate, football teams, drill teams, cheering squads, marching bands, spectators all come away with so much pride and even a little admiration for the winning team. A true history of the event will never come from newspaper articles, or line scores. The tradition of sportsmanship, the fulfillment of giving it your best is seen in the eyes of the young men and women who practice all season long, honing the skills and the discipline that makes this such a proud community event. I am honored to be part of this celebration, proud of my contribution, proud of sense of importance each student brings into that stadium. Congratulations Riders,...you earned it! Eddie Villa off LA Times