Intense Garfield-Roosevelt Rivalry Resumes

The East Los Angeles Classic annually takes a lot out of football players at Garfield and Roosevelt high schools--before the first snap.

Jose Casagran, an assistant coach at Garfield before he became head coach at Roosevelt in 1998, said he has heard the same comment from players on both sidelines.

“After the first play, you hear them say, ‘I’m exhausted,’ ” he said. “They eventually settle down, but it’s tough to keep them from getting too keyed up for this game.”

The intensity might be even greater tonight when the game between the Eastside rivals moves to the Coliseum.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

This is the first time since 1953 that Garfield will play Roosevelt somewhere other than Weingart Stadium at East Los Angeles College.

Roosevelt is 5-3 overall and 2-1 in the Eastern League. The Roughriders are in contention for the league title and a spot in the City Section Championship division playoffs, but they need victories over Garfield and Bell to challenge league-leading South Gate.

Roosevelt is led by senior running back Robert Smith, who gained 287 yards in last week’s 41-14 victory over Jordan.

Senior running back Manuel Esparza is also a threat running behind an offensive line anchored by junior Bobby Barrales.

The Roughrider defense features senior linebackers Jose Hernandez and Ruben Burgueno.

“Defensively, they are very quick,” Garfield Coach Ray Galarze said. “We’re going to have to compensate for that. And their offensive line is very good.”

Garfield (2-5-1, 0-3) was hit with tragedy before the season, when Christian Castaneda, 15, died of head trauma on Aug. 24 after collapsing during practice two days earlier. The Bulldogs beat Wilson in their opener but have struggled since.

Senior Danny Saucedo is the top running back for Garfield. Junior quarterback Anthony Federico operates behind a line featuring senior center James Reaves and senior tight end Ricardo Cepeda.

Senior linebacker Joshua Duarte anchors the defense.