WEEK 8 | Rowland Raiders vs Chaffey Tigers – October 17, 2025 (45 - 44 Final)

October 20, 2025•4 min read

Final Score: Rowland 45, Chaffey 44

Location: Rowland Heights, CA

Rowland High School Football (Rowland Heights, CA) delivered a homecoming for the ages— defeating Chaffey 45–44 in a one-point thriller to move to 8–0 for the first time in school history.

Wearing their traditional blue and gold, the Raiders turned a back-and-forth shootout into a defining moment for the program — one built on composure, toughness, and championship-level resilience.

It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement — and a milestone 60 years in the making.

Rowland Raiders CJ Carrillo Celebrates 4th Touchdown of the Night

First Quarter | Fast Start Under the Lights

There weren’t just fireworks during the halftime show — there were fireworks to start the game.

On just the second play from scrimmage, senior running back #8 CJ Carrillo exploded through the left side and sprinted down the sideline for an electric touchdown that set the tone for the night.

#1 Aidan Opatkiewicz drilled the PAT to make it 7–0.

Minutes later, CJ Carrillo powered through defenders for his second touchdown of the quarter, then punched in the two-point conversion himself to extend the lead to 15–7.

As Chaffey prepared to respond, Rowland’s special teams made a statement of their own. On the ensuing kickoff, the Tigers failed to secure the return, and #2 Nathan Alvarado pounced on the loose ball to give the Raiders possession deep in Chaffey territory.

Second Quarter | Seizing Momentum

The fourth snap of the second quarter — CJ Carrillo made Chaffey pay for the mistake.

Taking the handoff up the middle, he went airborne at the goal line, soaring over a defender and landing across the plane for his third touchdown of the night.

The drive captured everything this Rowland team embodies: effort, opportunism, and execution.

Chaffey traded scores later in the quarter, and despite the Raiders’ relentless offense, the Tigers held a slim 31–29 lead at halftime. But Rowland’s composure never wavered — they’d been here before.

Third Quarter | Trading Blows

The Raiders opened the second half with the same aggression they started the game with. The offensive line, anchored by a physical front, carved open lanes for CJ Carrillo, who found the end zone again — his fourth touchdown of the night trailing the Tigers by 1 point, 38–37.

The Raiders ended the 3rd quarter by pinning the Tigers deep in their end zone forcing them to punt on the first play of the 4th and final quarter. It was a statement of: disciplined, patient, and perfectly balanced between grit and finesse.

Fourth Quarter | The Final Touch

With everything on the line, the Raiders closed the door the same way they opened it — on the ground.

Senior #6 Bryce Johnson took the handoff, and accelerated down the middle for a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown that pushed the Raiders’ lead to 45–37.

CJ Carrillo added his third successful two-point conversion of the night, giving Rowland a vital cushion.

Chaffey answered with a late touchdown to make it 45–44 and lined up for a fake PAT to steal the win — but #7 Damien Arrieta intercepted the pass to seal the victory.

Moments later, CJ Carrillo took the final snap in victory formation as the stands erupted.

8–0. The first time ever. Rowland Football history made.

Stat Leaders

Offense

• #8 CJ Carrillo – 20 carries, 205 rushing yards, 4 TDs, 3 two-point conversions

• #6 Bryce Johnson – 7 carries, 71 yards, 2 TDs

• #9 Jose Valadez – 11/18, 191 yards, 0 INT, 0 passing TDs

• #7 Damien Arrieta – 4 receptions, 73 yards

Defense

• #7 Damien Arrieta – 1 INT on Chaffey’s fake PAT, multiple tackles

• #11 Frankie Trujillo – 7 total tackles (3 solo), 1 TFL

• #28 Jeovany Delgado – 6 total tackles

Special Teams

• #2 Nathan Alvarado – Fumble recovery on kickoff

Team Totals

• Rushing Yards: 304

• Passing Yards: 191

• Total Offense: 495

Final word

Homecoming 2025 wasn’t just another Friday night — it was a night of legacy.

CJ Carrillo’s dominance, Bryce Johnson’s finishing burst, Damien Arrieta’s game-saving interception, and Nathan Alvarado’s pivotal special teams recovery combined to deliver a moment that generations of Raiders will talk about for years.

This team doesn’t just execute — they bring the swag to match.

Fast. Physical. Fearless.

Rowland Football: 8–0 for the first time in school history.

Next up: The undefeated Raiders (8–0) now hit the road to face Montclair High School on Friday, October 24, as they continue their pursuit of perfection in league play.

Players of the Game

Varsity – #8 CJ Carrillo (Back to Back)

JV – #23 Tim Teav

Frosh/Soph – #6 Brady Johnson

🎥 Watch the Key Plays

Catch the highlight reel of this game right here ⬇️

Source

All stats and game details provided by MaxPreps.com.

📲 Stay Connected

Follow and subscribe to stay up to date with Rowland High School Football all season long:

Rowland Football Media Team

The official media team for Rowland High School Football. Sharing weekly game recaps, highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments to showcase Raider pride and the Gold Standard on and off the field.