88th East LA Classic between Roosevelt and Garfield signed and sealed for Oct. 27

They've been playing the game for almost a century. 

The Garfield vs. Roosevelt football game — better known as The East LA Classic (or simply "The Classic") — is back in 2023. 

The 88th game was secured this week for Oct. 27 at East Los Angeles College. They've been playing the game since 1926 and annually draws at least 25,000 fans. 

Last season's game was an all-time classic, largely because the Black Eyed Peas performed at halftime. It drew 45,000 fans at historic LA Coliseum. (See video above)

It's not known yet what festivities will serve as an encore to that, but the two teams will no doubt play fiercely. 

Last season, Garfield won 16-8 thanks to two rushing touchdowns from then junior quarterback Damian Cabrera. He should be back in 2023. 

Garfield finished 10-3 in 2022 with Cabrera (see video above) throwing for 1,675 yards and 18 touchdowns to go with eight rushing touchdowns. Also set to return for the Bulldogs is running back Damian Cornejo, who rushed 202 times for 1,791 yards and 27 touchdowns. That gives him 45 rushing touchdowns in his career. 

Roosevelt was 9-2 in 2022, but the Roughriders graduated most of its main offensive weapons and defensive stalwarts. .  

Roosevelt won the 2021 game 22-19, breaking a 10-game losing streak to Garfield. Since 2024, Garfield has won 15 of 19 meetings between the two teams. 

Photos below by Heston Quan of 2022 East La Classic: