The Los Angeles Times and LAist featured Roosevelt High School’s football team for its first victory in over a decade against crosstown rival Garfield High School in the 86th installment of the East L.A. Classic. The return of the iconic football game brought a sense of hope for two communities devastated by the pandemic. With last year’s match canceled for just the second time in its history, each play felt like an outlet to release frustration following COVID-19. The Roosevelt community’s emotions were deeply felt as they celebrated their victory and honored those who had been lost to the pandemic, including a beloved coach.