East LA Classic: Garfield beats Roosevelt 16-8 in front of 45,000 fans at LA Coliseum

Following last season's 22-19 defeat, Garfield gets payback with big second-half effort

LOS ANGELES — The 45,000 fans inside the LA Coliseum weren't the only ones who loved the Black Eyed Peas halftime performance. Garfield head coach Lorenzo Hernandez enjoyed it too despite not seeing it. 

BLACK EYED PEAS TO PERFORM AT EAST LA CLASSIC

"The long halftime helped us make adjustments," Hernandez said.

With the help of a 40-minute intermission, Garfield turned an 8-0 deficit into a 16-8 East LA Classic win over Roosevelt Friday night.

"We found out what was working and what wasn't," Hernandez said.

Roosevelt took an 8-0 lead early on a 51-yard touchdown run from Isaiah Wright on 4th-and-1. Johan Alfaro ran in the 2-point conversion.

The touchdown came with 3:32 to play in the first quarter and from there, the Rough Riders wouldn't score again.

In a penalty-filled second half, Garfield found the end zone twice courtesy of quarterback keepers from Damian Cabrera. The junior's first touchdown came with 3:32 to play in the third quarter from 1-yard out. Junior tailback Damian Cornejo tied it 8-8 on the 2-point conversion. 

The Garfield drive was aided by a late hit penalty on 4th down on a tackle that appeared to be in bounds with the runner (Cabrera) short of the line to gain (watch below). 

This was called a late hit out of bounds on 4th down. One of the worst calls I’ve ever seen. pic.twitter.com/niJUIVJiqg

— Connor Morrissette (@C_Morrissette) October 22, 2022

Cabrera's second touchdown was from 3 yards out with 1:59 to play. 

The Garfield offensive line pushed Cabrera into the end zone on third-and-goal. The junior then converted the 2-point conversion on a run to his right making the score 16-8.

The Bulldogs' defense held on Roosevelt's last possession to clinch the rivalry win.

"We just kept believing," Hernandez said. "Our defensive staff does an amazing job and they prepared for this moment. This was great."

"The defense saved us on everything," Cabrera added. "Congrats to the defense and thanks to the defense."

"This is one of the best moments of my life."

This was one of the plays of the night for Garfield. A touchdown saving tackle for Jayden Barnes. Game winning play. @GARFIELDFBCOACH pic.twitter.com/HyWcCK64QT

— Connor Morrissette (@C_Morrissette) October 22, 2022