Garfield High School

Football 1969

East LA classic

Garfield High School participates in the "East L.A. Classic" the homecoming football game against Theodore Roosevelt High School, that traditionally draws over 20,000 fans.The East LA classic has been held at the East Los Angeles College at the Weingart Stadium although it has also been held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Varsity Football Resume

The team once again featured the field goal kicking Junior Tony Lopez. Lighting struck twice as Tony kicked a 38 yard field goal to sun due Roosevelt for the second straight year in the fourth quarter of a tightly contested game at East L.A. Stadium before 10,000 fans. Although the crowd was smaller than in past years due to rain, the fighting spirits of the Bulldogs were not dampened.
Ironically this victory was probably the biggest ever by a Garfield football team. This year’s team was the first of Coach Padilla’s squads to ever come in Last in League and yet, it was able to defeat Eastern League champion Roosevelt. Since the interschool rivalry began, back in the twenties, Roosevelt claims 24 wins to 7 for Garfield with 4 ending in ties. During his years at Garfield, Coach Padilla’s teams have accounted 3 of theses wins and 2 ties.
The leading ground gainers were Co-Capt. Abel Salazar, HBs Gary Arita and Ray Galarza. Doing most of the passing was Richard Sanchez. Richard threw the 35 yd. T.D. pass to Manuel Castanon in the Roosevelt victory. Castanon not only proved to be the most outstanding receiver, but also an ironman as a safetyman on defense.
Leading the Charge up front in the line was All-League guard Sal Quezada: Tackles Joe Rodriguez, Robert Ybarra and middle guard Lloyd Sanchez. Backing up the defensive line were Ted Garcia, Herman Orozco, Humberto Rodra and Ernie Gutierrez. Tony Lopez returns for a third try at Roosevelt.