Football: Garfield's win was no fluke

I can already tell that Birmingham fans are not feeling very complimentary today after Garfield's 29-28 victory Thursday. Yes, the officials might have erred on the two-point conversion attempt late in the game (watch the replay on LA36 tonight at 9:30 p.m.).

But Garfield deserved to win. The players out-hustled, outfought and outsmarted the Patriots all night. It was amazing to watch the skill, toughness and determination of 5-foot-5 quarterback Patrick Vargas, who threw three touchdown passes despite being the smallest player on the field.

I never would have thought Garfield could beat Birmingham, a team that should have represented Southern California last season in the Division I state CIF championship bowl game. But this isn't the same Birmingham team, and Garfield deserves credit for stepping up and taking a shot at the City's best.

See, sometimes dreams and upsets happen when coaches and players take a chance. Other teams in the City that continue to just settle for playing in the City Invitational division might learn something from Garfield Coach Lorenzo Hernandez. It was his dream night that came true.

-- Eric Sondheimer

Comments

[ONO7 A FAN of the MIGHTY PILOTS of BANNING]

Wow, welcome to the Championship Division, now you are a target. Hopefully we will meet up in the playoffs since we owe you one for a few years back. Anyways I cannot wait to start the smack talking. We play a scrimmage tonight so I finally get to see what we have. Get out of work late to attend practices. Big Game against Orange Lutheran on fourth or fifth week, that will be a true test. Hopefully the times and breeze will have previews next week of the teams and leagues, I want to see what is going on with some other schools. laters

[Ed0]

the 2 point conversion was no good...check out fox 11 highlights , they got a perfect angle on that play ..the ball was inches from the goal line..

[GeeDee]

Even with this loss Birmingham is still #1 in the City until someone beat them when they are at full strength and when it matters in the PLAYOFFS. Last year Birmingham was 0-1 with 2 or more starters out and 13-0 at full strength , this year Birmingham is 0-1 with 2 or more starters out with as many as 14 games left so let's just wait and see. I know 1 thing Birmingham will be the #1 seeded team when the playoffs come around Garfield will be at best a #5 seed . This game is like Birmingham and Poly last year Birmingham beat Poly last year but Poly ended the season ranked higher than Birmingham even though they ended the year with the same record so Birmingham fan's don't trip remember the Crespi game and every game after that Birmingham will be at full strenght...

[james finley]

Come on Gee Dee, I gave B-Ham credit when they kicked our buts all over the field. Give the boys from East LA some love. You sound kinda of bitter. Sometimes when you talk alot it will come back and bite you in the but. Good job Garfield. Your game with Jordan should be a good one. This should serve notice to all those teams ( Eagle Rock ) who refuse to play with the big boys. You will never know how good you are until you compete.
Crenshaw Nation!!!

[steve]

GeeDee you make Birmingham sound pathetic with those excuses. I think you're doing the team a disservice by trying to come up with excuses... Bottom line is that many prognosticators heavily favored Birmingham above Garfield even with the losses of last year's senior class, injuries, and transfers who did not play. I'm now rooting for Crespi to defeat you guys so you can shoot your trap.

[Red&BlackAttackBHS]

CONGRATULATIONS BULLDOGS! Do you still think it is a 'bad' move NOT to repeat as "Invitational Champs"? You don't need to! You could hang, which was the whole idea of that ongoing debate last year when your coach 'wanted' the Bulldogs to compete to play for a second straight Invitational Title. Many felt y'all should step it up a notch (and many Marine Leaguers were in that group). Well, it shut up those who felt that Garfield could not compete! The Bulldogs BELONG!

Garfield 29, Birmingham 28...HELLO! Does GARFIELD BELONG! Hell yeah baby! Have a good season.... gentlemen! It is LOUD and CLEAR! A sleeping East-L.A. giant as AWAKENED! It's about time!