East L.A. Gets Together for a Football Game

One of the biggest high school football crowds in the nation--about 24,000 fans--will fill East Los Angeles Stadium tonight to cheer what amounts to a practice game.

The spectators will come from as far away as Oregon and Arizona. And the game will be televised--twice.

Why all the fuss?

It’s the East Los Angeles Football Classic, the 51st clash between Garfield and Roosevelt high schools in what is one of the oldest prep rivalries in Los Angeles. And much more.

“This is one of the most unifying events in East L.A., more so than Cinco de Mayo,” said Julian Nava (Roosevelt, class of ‘45), the former U.S. ambassador to Mexico. “Anyone who went to school in East L.A. identifies with either Garfield or Roosevelt.”

Reunions, dances and fund-raisers bring together thousands of alumni, some of whom aren’t even interested in the game. Last year, $10,000 of the game’s proceeds were given to survivors of the disastrous Mexico City earthquake.

East Los Angeles street gangs traditionally declare a truce for the game. And by common consent, even the game banners are non-warlike, eschewing mention of the rival. “You can’t say something like ‘Strangle Roosevelt,’ ” Garfield guard Jesse Garcia said.

Roosevelt, the defending City 2-A champion, leads in the series 25-18-7. Both teams are 2-1 this season. But as Garfield athletic director Paul Purdy said: “If you lose every game of the season except this one, your year’s a success.”

“You play this for family, friends and school,” said Louie Mendez, an offensive guard-linebacker from Roosevelt.

“For bragging rights to East L.A.,” Garfield’s Garcia said solemnly.

Political and romantic ties go out the window.

“Roosevelt’s in my district, but I attended Garfield,” said City Councilman Richard Alatorre, a 1961 grad. “Of course, I have to root for Garfield.”

Garfield linebacker George Salcedo, asked where his Roosevelt girlfriend will sit, responded: “No doubt. On Roosevelt’s side.”

The non-conference game, which in the past has featured such stars as Mike Garrett and Lynn Cain (Rooseveltians who were later USC and pro standouts), takes on an added dimension this year because KVEA (Channel 52) is televising it on a delayed basis at 11:30 tonight and 3 p.m. Saturday.

The broadcast will also include vignettes of prominent alumni such as Nava, Alatorre and Los Angeles school board member Larry Gonzalez (Roosevelt, ‘73). “We want to show that these aren’t just barrio schools that turn out nothing but athletes,” KVEA Vice President Frank Cruz said.

In what may be a first, KVEA sportscaster Mario Solis will announce the game in Spanish and Efren Herrera, a former pro kicker, will offer analysis in English.