Rowland Edges Chaffey in Dramatic Gano League Opener

In a thrilling start to the Gano League season, the Rowland football team secured a narrow victory over Chaffey, winning 45-44 on October 6, 2023. This dramatic come-from-behind triumph improved Rowland’s record to 8-0 and marked their first win in league play, while Chaffey fell to 3-5 and 0-1.

Game Highlights and Key Performances

The tightly contested match showcased the offensive capabilities of both teams, with Rowland’s senior running back CJ Carillo leading the charge. Carillo rushed for an impressive 171 yards and scored four touchdowns. He was complemented by Bryce Johnson, who added 69 rushing yards and two touchdowns of his own. On the defensive end, senior lineman Frankie Trujillo played a pivotal role with seven tackles and a crucial interception that ultimately sealed the victory for Rowland.

Chaffey’s offense also displayed strength, with junior fullback Alexis Almeida contributing 44 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Senior Carlos Vasquez added 80 rushing yards and two scores, demonstrating the competitive nature of both squads.

Rowland wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring on their opening drive with a remarkable 75-yard touchdown run by Carillo. Chaffey quickly matched this with a touchdown from Almeida, leveling the score at 7-7. The back-and-forth continued as Rowland’s senior quarterback Jose Valadez connected with Damietyn Arrieta for an 80-yard pass, setting up another touchdown run by Carillo and giving Rowland a 15-7 lead.

Turning Points and Final Moments

Rowland’s special teams made a significant play by recovering an onside kick following their third touchdown, allowing Carillo to score again early in the second quarter and push the lead to 22-7. However, Chaffey responded with vigor, narrowing the gap to 22-15 after a touchdown pass from senior quarterback Noah Stewart to Justin Alcantara.

As halftime approached, the momentum shifted. Chaffey took the lead 31-29 with a touchdown from Andrew Rodriguez, and both teams entered the locker room with a competitive spirit. Coach Citos Marinez emphasized the importance of extra point conversions, acknowledging that they would play a critical role in the outcome.

The third quarter saw Chaffey extend its lead to 38-29 after another touchdown from Almeida. Rowland fought back with Carillo’s fourth touchdown run, bringing the score to 38-37. A crucial defensive stand by Trujillo forced Chaffey to punt, setting the stage for Rowland’s decisive fourth quarter.

In the final moments, Johnson’s stunning 45-yard touchdown run gave Rowland a 45-38 lead. Chaffey managed to score once more, with Vasquez finding the end zone, but their attempt at a two-point conversion was thwarted by Trujillo’s interception.

With time running out, Rowland successfully recovered Chaffey’s onside kick and ran out the clock, clinching the thrilling victory. Coach Marinez reflected on the team’s remarkable journey, 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.”

The win not only marked a historic moment for Rowland but also emphasized the competitive spirit of the Gano League, where every game holds significant weight in the quest for league supremacy.