Football: Garfield’s win was no fluke

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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