The Rowland Heights football team secured a dramatic victory against Chaffey, winning 45-44 in the Gano League opener on October 6, 2023. This thrilling comeback victory improves Rowland’s record to 8-0 overall and 1-0 in the league, while Chaffey falls to 3-5 and 0-1. The tightly contested match saw both teams showcasing their offensive prowess, making every score pivotal in a league with only four teams.
Key Players Shine in High-Scoring Affair
Rowland’s success can be attributed to standout performances from its senior players. Running back CJ Carillo led the charge with an impressive 171 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Fellow senior Bryce Johnson contributed significantly, adding 69 yards and two scores to the team’s total. On defense, Frankie Trujillo was a force, recording seven tackles and an interception that ultimately sealed the game for Rowland.
Chaffey’s offense also exhibited strong performances, particularly from junior fullback Alexis Almeida, who rushed for 44 yards and two touchdowns, and senior Carlos Vasquez, who added 80 yards and two scores of his own. The game was marked by relentless offensive strategies, with both teams prioritizing scoring over defensive stops.
A Rollercoaster of Momentum Changes
Rowland wasted no time making its mark, scoring on a 75-yard touchdown run by Carillo just two plays into the game. Chaffey quickly responded, with Almeida scoring to level the game at 7-7. The back-and-forth exchange continued as Rowland’s senior quarterback Jose Valadez connected with Damietyn Arrieta for an 80-yard gain, setting up Carillo for another touchdown and a subsequent conversion to give Rowland a 15-7 lead.
Following an onside kick recovery, Carillo added his third touchdown early in the second quarter, extending the lead to 22-7. However, Chaffey’s resilience shone through as senior quarterback Noah Stewart connected with Justin Alcantara for a 55-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 22-15. Rowland responded with Johnson’s touchdown, but Chaffey continued to apply pressure, with Vasquez scoring again and Stewart hitting Andrew Rodriguez for a 22-yard touchdown pass, giving the Tigers a 31-29 lead at halftime.
At halftime, Coach Citos Marinez emphasized the importance of tackling and defensive stops, acknowledging that the extra-point conversions were pivotal to the game’s outcome. Chaffey maintained its momentum into the third quarter, with Almeida scoring once more to extend their lead to 38-29. Rowland answered back as Carillo scored his fourth touchdown, reducing Chaffey’s lead to 38-37.
The fourth quarter showcased Rowland’s resolve as Johnson executed a 45-yard touchdown run, putting Rowland ahead 45-38. Chaffey remained composed, with Vasquez scoring again to narrow the gap to just one point. The Tigers opted for a two-point conversion but Trujillo’s interception thwarted their efforts.
With the clock winding down, Rowland recovered Chaffey’s onside kick and managed to run out the remaining time, securing a hard-fought victory. Coach Marinez reflected on the team’s progress, stating, “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.”
