The East LA Classic isn’t just any football game; it’s one of the city’s oldest and fiercest rivalries: Garfield versus Roosevelt. Two schools just a few miles apart, but linked by generations of pride, tradition and community spirit.
But for one East LA family, this year’s game means more than touchdowns and trophies.
Kidada “Miss Kiki” Tarrant has been serving meals and smiling as a cafeteria manager at Roosevelt High for 16 years. Most of her children have proudly worn the colors of the Rough Riders. But her son Mario decided to take a different path and transferred to rival Garfield High as a freshman.
Now, two of her sons will compete against each other for the first time under the lights of East LA College.
“It’s going to be our first time playing varsity, and they’re going to compete against each other,” Miss Kiki said, beaming with pride. “I’ll be happy for both of them no matter what.”
Jordan, a senior running back at Roosevelt, will try to break through his brother’s defense. Mario, a junior defenseman for Garfield, has vowed to bring his A-game.
“You better hold on to that ball,” Mario teased. “We’re coming for it.”
His older brother laughed it off: “Good luck to my brother. It’s all love.”
And it is. Despite their fierce competition on the field, both brothers have a bond that goes much deeper than football; a bond that honors a brother who is no longer with them.
Four years ago, the family lost their eldest son, Edward, in a car accident. Edward, a Roosevelt alum and former athlete, wore number 33 when he played basketball.
Today, both younger brothers pay tribute to him every time they take the field, each with a version of his song.
“One carries 3, and the other carries 33,” Miss Kiki explained. “When they’re both here, it feels like 33 is complete again. He’s still with us.”
She thinks Edward will watch over them on Friday night.
“He’s our angel,” she said softly. “And no matter the score, we will all walk away as winners.”
As the stands fill with cheering students, alumni and families, Miss Kiki will be in the crowd, not for one side, but for both.
“It’s all love and fun for the kids,” she said. “We will be the most positive people we can be because that is what this is really about: family and love.”
For the Nunez family, the East LA Classic won’t just be a clash of rivals. It will be a celebration of brotherhood, resilience and the unbreakable bonds that hold a family together.
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