In a gripping opener for the Gano League, the Rowland football team triumphed over Chaffey with a narrow 45-44 victory on October 27, 2023. This win not only kept Rowland’s record perfect at 8-0 but also marked their first league win, while Chaffey fell to 3-5 overall and 0-1 in league play. With only four teams in the Gano League, each game carries significant weight, making this victory crucial for Rowland’s aspirations.
Citos Marinez, the head coach of Rowland, expressed his gratitude towards the senior players, emphasizing their determination to succeed. “You got to give credit to the seniors who wanted to stay here,” he stated. Marinez also acknowledged the efforts of the previous coaching staff, who had nurtured the current seniors during their formative years in the program.
Senior running back CJ Carillo played a pivotal role in the match, rushing for 171 yards and scoring four touchdowns. His performance was complemented by Bryce Johnson, who contributed 69 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Defensive standout Frankie Trujillo was instrumental as well, recording seven tackles and an interception that ultimately sealed the victory for Rowland.
Chaffey’s offense was led by junior fullback Alexis Almeida, who rushed for 44 yards and two touchdowns, while senior Carlos Vasquez added 80 rushing yards and two scores. The game showcased an offensive showdown, where defenses struggled to contain the opposing attacks.
The action began quickly when Rowland scored on their opening drive, with Carillo racing 75 yards for a touchdown. Chaffey responded in kind, with Almeida tying the score at 7-7 following a successful drive. Rowland’s senior quarterback Jose Valadez connected with Damietyn Arrieta for an impressive 80-yard gain, setting up another touchdown run by Carillo, followed by a conversion to put Rowland ahead 15-7.
The Raiders executed an onside kick recovery immediately after their score, allowing Carillo to extend their lead to 22-7 at the start of the second quarter. Chaffey’s offense rallied back, with senior quarterback Noah Stewart finding Justin Alcantara for a 55-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 22-15.
Rowland answered with another touchdown from Johnson, but the Tigers continued to press forward. Vasquez’s touchdown brought Chaffey closer, and Stewart’s connection with Andrew Rodriguez for a 22-yard pass play led to a 31-29 lead for the Tigers at halftime.
“Extra point conversions were the difference in the game,” Marinez remarked during halftime. He emphasized the need for improved defensive technique to counter Chaffey’s scoring ability.
The second half saw Chaffey extend their lead to 38-29 after Almeida scored again. Carillo quickly countered with his fourth touchdown, bringing the score to 38-37. Trujillo’s defensive prowess shone through as he forced Chaffey to punt after a crucial tackle.
As the fourth quarter commenced, Johnson made a significant impact with a 45-yard touchdown run, giving Rowland a 45-38 lead. Chaffey’s offense remained calm and determined, with Vasquez scoring once more to inch within one point, trailing 45-44.
In a bold move, Chaffey opted for a two-point conversion to take the lead, but Trujillo intercepted the pass, securing Rowland’s victory. After recovering an onside kick, Rowland managed to run out the clock, sealing their hard-fought win.
Marinez reflected on the significance of the victory, especially given the team’s struggles over the past two seasons. “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,” he stated.
As Rowland continues its undefeated streak, the victory against Chaffey not only boosts their league standing but also serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the players and coaching staff.
