Week 3 | Rowland High School Football vs. Walnut – Game Recap (28–7 Final)

Walnut, CA (Sept. 12, 2025) — The Rowland Raiders improved to 3–0 on the season with a hard-fought 28–7 road victory over the Walnut Mustangs on September 12, 2025. Senior quarterback Jose Valadez connected with Damien Arrieta on a 36-yard touchdown just before halftime to give Rowland the lead. Then in the fourth quarter, Alex Huerta’s pick-six sealed the game as the Raiders once again leaned on their defense to finish strong.

While Rowland’s offense struck with a pair of explosive plays through the air, it was the defense that set the tone all night. Behind relentless pressure, three sacks, and multiple takeaways, the Raiders earned their third straight win and another statement performance away from home.

Rowland High School Football Final Score: Raiders 28, Walnut 7.

Offense: Efficient and Explosive When it Counted

Rowland didn’t need volume to be dangerous—just precision. Damien Arrieta went 4-of-5 for 71 yards with a 67-yard scoring strike, while Jose Valadez added 1-of-2 for 36 yards, the late-half touchdown to Damien Arrieta that sent Rowland to the break in front. Aiden Opatkiewicz was the night’s top target with 3 receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, CJ Carrillo (25 yards), Bryce Johnson (20), and Damien Arrieta (6) combined to keep Walnut honest, setting up those two explosive scores through the air. Team totals: 5 completions for 107 yards (2 TD), 21 rushes for 60 yards.

Conversion note: After Aiden Opatkiewicz’s touchdown, CJ Carrillo converted the two-point attempt.

Defense: Identity Football

Rowland’s defense owned the trenches and the takeaway battle. Frankie Trujillo headlined the rush with 3.0 sacks (33 yards lost), collapsing the pocket repeatedly. On the back end, Alex Huerta delivered the dagger with a 47-yard interception return for a touchdown, and CJ Carrillo added another interception to end the Mustangs chance late in the 4th quarter. Tackle production was spread and physical: Aiden Opatkiewicz (8 total), Frankie Trujillo (7), Bryce Johnson (6), Elias Hayward (5), Edison He (5), Alex Huerta (5), CJ Carrillo (5) and more. Team totals: 60 tackles (8 TFL), 3.0 sacks, and multiple takeaways.

Special Teams:

• Punting: Aiden Opatkiewicz — 4 punts, 145 yards, 36.3 avg, long 42, 2 inside the 20.

• Kick Returns: Bryce Johnson — 1 return, 22 yards.

• Punt Returns: CJ Carrillo — 2 returns, 38 yards.

• Kicking (PAT): Aiden Opatkiewicz — 2/2 extra points.

• Conversions: CJ Carrillo — 1 two-point conversion rush (after Aidan Opatkiewicz’s TD).

Scoring summary + Key Totals

• 2nd Quarter – Aiden Opatkiewicz TD: Long touchdown reception (from Damien Arrieta), followed by a CJ Carrillo 2-point rush.

• 2nd Quarter – Damien Arrieta TD: 36-yard touchdown from Jose Valadez.

• 4th Quarter – Fabian Valdez TD: Fumble-recovery score.

• 4th Quarter – Alex Huerta TD: 47-yard pick-six.

• Defense: 60 tackles (8 TFL), 3.0 sacks (Frankie Trujillo 3.0), 3 INTs: Alex Huerta 2 (1 TD, 47 ret yds), CJ Carrillo (14 ret yds).

Final word

This was Raider football—field position, pass rush, and opportunistic strikes. With explosive touchdowns to Aiden Opatkiewicz and Damien Arrieta in the second quarter, and defensive scores from Fabian Valdez and Alex Huerta in the fourth, Rowland proved it can finish a road game with authority. The Raiders are 3–0 and very much playing to an identity that travels.

Next up: Rowland looks to keep the momentum rolling in Week 4 against rivals Nogales in the Classic Battle of the Tracks.

Players of the Game

Frosh/Soph: Daniel Mosqueda

JV: Cooper Kinsley

Varsity: Frankie Trujillo

🎥 Watch the Key Plays

Catch the highlight reel of this game right here ⬇️

Source

All stats and game details provided by MaxPreps.com.

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