Bulldogs Pull Away Late Against Eagles, 38- 20 to Reach City Division Open Title Game

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Alfonso Rivera Jr.

In a hotly contested battle on Friday 11/18 @ Garfield High School in East Los Angeles. The Garfield Bulldogs finally shook the pesky Eagle Rock Eagles to advance to the Championship game in the open division versus the two-time defending open division champion Birmingham Patriots.
The hosts opened up the scoring early on a 1-yard touchdown run by Quarterback Damian Cabrera, PAT was good, 7-0. In the second quarter Cabrera connected on a 27-yard strike to Wide Receiver Jayden Barnes to put the Bulldogs up 14-0 following another successful extra point.
Eagle Rock responded with a 6-yard touchdown pass from QB Tanner Erwin to WR Barry Weatherspoon, the point after was missed, Garfield 14 Eagle Rock 6. Eagle Linebacker and the City’s #2 leading tackler Brooklyn Pasten recovered a fumble at the Bulldog 39 on their ensuing drive. That led to a 9-yard fake field goal touchdown run by Ryland Bailey-Roque to make it 14-13 after the PAT was made.
Before the half Garfield added another score and point after the touchdown on a 12-yard run by RB Damian Cornejo taking the game into the half 21-13.
An amazing 60 yard run by Bailey-Roque made the score 21-19. The extra point made it 21-20 early in the 3rd quarter. Cornejo returned the favor with an 11-yard score to make it 28-20 following another efficient PAT. Kicker Dylan Benitez converted on a 23-yard field goal to make it 31-20 going into the final quarter.
The Bulldog defense held the fort down in the 4th quarter, not enabling the Eagles to muster a counterattack. Cabrera made the final trip to the end zone for Garfield on a 2-yard run to make it 37- 20. Kicker Joseph Regalado was perfect in the contest, making his 5th extra point of the evening. The scoreboard read 38-20 as the final outcome.
Cornejo finished the night with 26 carries and 206 yards on the ground. Cabrera threw for 203 yards and an aerial touchdown along with his 2 additional scores with his legs. Barnes grabbed 6 catches for a total of 168 yards receiving.
The stout Bulldog defense was led by Juju Zamudio who had 12 total tackles, including 3 for a loss and 2.5 sacks. Donovan Reyes also had 2.5 sacks and added 8 tackles, Joshua Estrada had 6 tackles and recovered a fumble. In the secondary, Isaak Naranjo contributed 9 tackles and had a pass deflected as well.
Garfield (10-2) will now play the Birmingham Patriots (8-4) on Saturday 11/26 @ LA Valley College to try and end their two-year reign as City Open Division Champions. Kickoff is slated for 7pm.

Buy Tickets …Click Here or Go Fan logo

Photos by Mario Villegas 

 

 

 

Photos by Bob Bernal Jr 

 

Buy Tickets Here ……

 

Leave a Reply