MidValleySports.Com

Rowland Head Coach Citos Marinez looking for another big year.

By Tim Peterson

(Rowland Heights) – Last year Rowland went 10-0 in the regular season and won the Gano League title. However, the Raiders did lose to San Dimas in the first round of the playoffs in a heartbreaking defeat that had to sting all off season.

This year Rowland is hoping for even bigger and better things. The Raiders will be inexperienced after losing several players to graduation from last season but they have a lot of young talent coming back. On offense sophomores Xavier Carrillo and Caleb Nicholson will lead the way at running back and wide receiver respectively with senior Edison He anchoring the offensive line. All three players will play on both sides of the ball when needed.

Defensively linebacker Fabian Valdez and defensive back Nicholas Adoure return and will be relied on to hold down the stop unit.

Key newcomers include senior receiver Kelly Egere and sophomore receiver Isaiah Wright. Both players will also help out at defensive back.

The Raiders open the season Friday night August 28 at Baldwin Park before beginning Gano League play October 2 at Don Lugo.

Head Coach Citos Marinez will be at the helm attempting to bring it all together.

Rowland Raiders

Staff

Head Coach: Citos Marinez
Offensive Coordinator: Mark Hamada / David Peterson
Defensive Coordinator: Paul Rodriguez / Rich Avina

2025 RECORD: 10-1, 1st – Gano, Division 9, 1st Round

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS ON OFFENSE
Xavier Carrillo, RB/LB, 2029, 6’0″/175
Kayleb Nicholson, WR/DB, 2029, 6’0/165
Edison He, DL/OL, 2027, 5’10”, 215
Lawrence Biehn, WR/DB, 2027, 5’10/165
Rafael Lopez, OL/DL, 2027, 5’10/270

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS ON DEFENSE
Fabian Valdez, WR/LB, 2027, 6’0”/180
Nicholas Adoure, DB/RB, 2027, 6’0/160

NEWCOMERS/TRANSFERS
Kelly Egere, WR/DB, 2027, 5’6”/70
Isaiah Wright, 2029, WR/DB, 5’9/150

TEAM STRENGTHS: Playoff Experience, Strength, Speed
TEAM WEAKNESS:  Inexperience