Roosevelt finishes the first half with a flourish
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Roosevelt’s Rafael Gomez kicked a 22-yard field goal on the final play of the first half to pull the Rough Riders to within 7-3 of Garfield in the East L.A. Classic at East L.A. College.
Roosevelt struggled to move the ball with the exception of one big play, but a pair of interceptions have kept the Rough Riders within striking distance. Defensive back Kevin Rios stepped in front of a pass by Garfield quarterback Nicky Peralta and intercepted it late in the second quarter, giving Roosevelt the ball.
Rough Riders quarterback Andony Flores then completed a 39-yard pass to Jonathan Mariscal to move the ball deep into Bulldogs territory before Roosevelt’s drive stalled and it settled for the field goal. The Rough Riders failed to pick up a first down on three fourth-down conversion attempts.
Garfield moved the ball in spurts, with tailback Lance Fernandez gaining 72 yards in seven carries and Peralta completing five of six passes for 37 yards and a touchdown with one interception. But Leonardo Vaal also had a pass intercepted, thwarting another drive.
Roosevelt’s running game has been largely ineffective. Four ballcarriers have combined for 37 yards in 14 carries. Flores has completed three of five passes for 55 yards.
Roosevelt will get the ball to start the third quarter.
--Ben Bolch