Birmingham routs Garfield for fourth straight City Section Open Division crown

Birmingham wins its fourth straight City title — call it a dynasty

Why are we not surprised?

Yet again, Birmingham Charter proves to be the team to beat in the LA City Section — and it’s not even close.

Birmingham defeated Garfield 49-7 in the Open Division final at LA Valley College Saturday night to win its fourth straight City crown.

The Patriots beat Garfield in the Open final last year, 49-13, and have out scored its opponents in the last four finals, 142-54, including wins over San Pedro and Banning in 2021 and 2019, respectively.

There was no final in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Birmingham ran all over the Garfield defense. Ronnell Hewitt ran for 160 yards and two scores, while Dredon Fowles gained more than 100 yards with two touchdowns himself. 

Hewitt is only a sophomore and Fowles is only a junior. They’ll be back.

Javen Hall added two more touchdowns in the rout.

Birmingham coach Jim Rose has done what no City coach has ever done before this season, winning a City championship in football and girls flag football.

FAIRFAX WINS DII TITLE

Fairfax beat Chatsworth 20-14 in overtime, thanks to a 32-yard touchdown connection from QB Ivan Levant to Darvens Joseph.

Football Division II: 🏈

Fairfax 20 🏆

Chatsworth 14

Overtime thriller! 🔥

Congratulations to the Lions on their 5th #CIFLACS title and first since 2015! 👏 pic.twitter.com/cbQzIyn6mc

— CIF LA City Section (@CIFLACS) November 26, 2023

The LA Times reported Levant threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns in the win, and also ran in a touchdown.

It was a contrasting style of offenses. Fairfax known for its pass and Chatsworth known for its running game led by Isaiah Rameau. But Rameau didn’t play the final three quarters of Saturday afternoon’s game due to an ankle injury.

Chatsworth running back Benji Gomez picked up the slack, running for 150 yards, including a 49-yard TD run, but it wasn’t enough.

(Feature photo courtesy of LA City Section)