Rowland Claims Dramatic 45-44 Win Against Chaffey in League Opener

The Rowland High School football team secured a thrilling victory against Chaffey High School, emerging with a narrow 45-44 win in their Gano League opener on October 27, 2023. This victory marks Rowland’s impressive record of 8-0 for the season and 1-0 in league play, while Chaffey fell to 3-5 overall and 0-1 in the league.

The importance of each game in the four-team Gano League was palpable as both teams entered the match with high expectations. Rowland’s coach, Citos Marinez, expressed his gratitude towards the senior players, stating, “You got to give credit to the seniors who wanted to stay here.” He also acknowledged the challenges of coaching through transitions, recalling his own experience during his senior year in high school.

Key performances defined the game, particularly from Rowland’s senior running back CJ Carillo, who amassed 171 yards and scored four touchdowns. Additionally, senior Bryce Johnson contributed significantly with 69 rushing yards and two touchdowns. On the defensive side, senior Frankie Trujillo made a lasting impact with seven tackles and a crucial interception that ultimately secured the win.

Chaffey’s offense showcased impressive talent as well, with junior fullback Alexis Almeida rushing for 44 yards and two touchdowns, while senior Carlos Vasquez added 80 yards and two scores to the Tigers’ total.

The game quickly escalated from the outset. Rowland scored on their very first drive with a spectacular 75-yard touchdown run from Carillo. Chaffey responded promptly, with Almeida’s touchdown run leveling the game at 7-7. Rowland’s senior quarterback, Jose Valadez, then orchestrated a subsequent offensive surge, connecting with Damietyn Arrieta for an 80-yard gain, and later with Aidan Opatkiewicz for a 35-yard pass. Carillo’s second touchdown run pushed Rowland ahead, 15-7.

Following this, Rowland executed an onside kick successfully, allowing Carillo to extend the lead to 22-7 with his third touchdown run. Chaffey, undeterred, rallied back as senior quarterback Noah Stewart connected with Justin Alcantara for a 55-yard touchdown pass, narrowing Rowland’s lead to 22-15.

The back and forth continued, with Rowland’s Johnson finding the end zone again, bringing the score to 29-15. Chaffey’s offense regrouped, with Vasquez scoring to close the gap further. Stewart then connected with Andrew Rodriguez for a 22-yard touchdown, giving Chaffey a 31-29 lead at halftime following a successful conversion.

Coach Marinez pointed out the significance of extra point conversions at halftime, highlighting the competitive nature of the game. He stressed the need for his players to focus on defensive techniques, aware that Chaffey was capitalizing on their offensive opportunities.

The second half saw Chaffey extend its lead to 38-29, with Almeida scoring yet again. In response, Carillo rushed for his fourth touchdown, bringing the score to 38-37. Trujillo’s defensive prowess shone through when he, alongside senior Jaden Amador, forced Chaffey to punt.

As the fourth quarter commenced, Johnson executed a powerful 45-yard touchdown run, giving Rowland a lead at 45-38. The Tigers maintained their composure, with Vasquez scoring on a six-yard run to close the gap to just one point. In a pivotal moment, Chaffey opted to go for a two-point conversion to take the lead, but Trujillo intercepted the pass, preserving Rowland’s slim advantage.

Rowland managed to recover Chaffey’s onside kick attempt, allowing them to run down the clock and secure the victory. Reflecting on the win and the season ahead, Coach Marinez remarked, “When you haven’t been to the playoffs and you’ve only won a combination of eight games the past two years, you aren’t going to get big-headed. This is the beginning of our program.”

The match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the teams but also set a promising tone for Rowland’s football season ahead.