Rowland Raiders Football · 2026
The Team Behind
The Program.
Rowland Football is built by more than players. It's powered by coaches, leaders, and community members who show up every day to make something bigger than the game itself.
Coaching Staff
The People
Behind The Program.
Our coaching staff is built on brotherhood, alumni roots, and a shared belief that football changes lives. These are the people who show up every single day.
Citos grew up in Rowland Heights and credits the program with giving him everything — so now he's driven to give that same experience to today's generation. He wants players to remember him as someone who helped shape them into leaders — in their families, communities, and lives.
Football taught him that doing hard things builds self-mastery, and that no one succeeds alone — it takes a village. One of his most meaningful moments as a coach was witnessing his daughter crowned Homecoming Queen during Rowland's 60th anniversary, at the same school where both he and his wife once walked the halls.
His coaching style is passionate, demanding, and full of high expectations. He credits Kurt Bruich as the most influential coach in his life — teaching him both the Xs and Os, and how to coach with purpose.
His favorite moments of the season — Homecoming, Battle of the Tracks, and Senior Night — are all about community. His message to new athletes? "It won't be easy. But it will be one of the most powerful, memorable decisions of your life."
The one word he uses to describe Rowland Football is Roots. He'll never forget preparing for a State Championship Game. And while he still loves coaching players, his evolution now includes developing other coaches — scaling the mission.
I coach football because I am passionate about the sport I played for 15 years of my life and want to pass on the knowledge I've gained throughout those years to the youth of our community. Rowland is a special community with a strong football background, and I'm on a mission to help bring it back to prominence.
Football has taught me that adversity is bound to happen — whether it's on the field or in real life. It comes down to how you respond to it that determines whether you are successful or not.
My coaching style in one sentence? Calculated with high expectations.
The most influential coach in my life was Hank Fraley, the current Offensive Line Coach for the Detroit Lions. He coached me at San Jose State, and I gained a majority of my football IQ from him.
My favorite part of the season is Friday Night Lights — there's nothing like it. I get nostalgic every time we step onto the field. One moment I'll never forget? Winning a CIF Championship in 2023.
Coach Hamada has been coaching for over a decade, and for him, football has always been about giving back. The sport shaped him into a responsible, communicative, and team-driven person — and now he's committed to passing that same growth on to the next generation.
Coaching at Rowland is more than just a job — it's a homecoming. His father graduated from Rowland in 1974, followed by aunts in '75 and '76, and an uncle who once taught at the school. That legacy runs deep — and it's why being here feels like coming full circle.
Known for his attention to detail and relentless focus on precision, Hamada helps build a quarterback room that's calm, disciplined, and sharp. He hopes players remember him not just for football — but for life lessons like time management and clear communication.
Few know that Japanese was his first language — something that shaped his empathy and ability to connect with a diverse group of athletes. His favorite part of the season is Friday nights under the lights. But his most unforgettable moment? That 2023 CIF Championship win.
To him, Rowland Football is Family. And that's what he helps build every single day.
I coach football because I love the combination of strategy, skill, and physicality the game demands. Rowland is home. Coaching here gives me a chance to give back to the same school and community that helped shape me. My coaches played a major role in developing who I am today, and I want to do the same for the next generation — teaching them work ethic, discipline, and how to navigate life through the lessons football provides.
What I hope my players remember most is that I was a dedicated and compassionate coach who worked hard and showed up every day with a smile — always ready to help. Football taught me that greatness requires preparation. You can't just show up and expect results. If you want to be great, you have to work when others won't.
There have been many moments I'll never forget, but what stands out most is seeing generations of families come through Rowland. I've had the privilege of coaching brothers, sons, and more — Rowland truly is family.
Most people don't know that I don't yell — maybe once a year. I have a very soft voice 😄. I coach with care and concern. I focus on understanding what motivates each player and using that to bring out their best.
Rowland Football means Family. When you join Rowland Football, you're joining a family. We look after each other, we take care of one another, and we push each other to succeed — not just in football, but in life.
I believe in servant leadership and giving back to the community. Football is more than a game — it's a classroom for life. It gives young people the space to fail, grow, and develop the skills needed to become better employees, citizens, fathers, husbands, and leaders. Through this game, I can mentor and serve, giving back everything football has given me.
As for Rowland — this is home. I'm an alumni from the Class of '99. I grew up here, went to Blandford and Alvarado, and played for this very program. It's an honor to return and give back to the place that raised me. On top of that, Coach Citos and I played together here, and after years of trying to coach side by side, it finally worked out.
What I want my players to remember most about me is that I cared about them as people, not just as football players — and that I gave everything I had to help them succeed on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
Football taught me that failure is inevitable — but what defines you is your response. Your response is who you really are.
The most important thing I try to teach every player is that life is about finding solutions, not making excuses. I live by sayings like: "Solutions or excuses." "No BCD — No blaming, complaining, or defending." "Keep Climbing."
To any young athlete thinking about joining this program — you're being offered an opportunity to change your life for the better. Play for us, and you'll find more than just a team — you'll find purpose, brotherhood, and family.
I coach football because I believe it's the purest sport when taught with detail, discipline, and purpose. I love the intricacies of the game and the chance to teach today's players how those details translate into success. I coach at Rowland because I believe in the culture that Coach Marinez is developing — it is more than just X's and O's.
Ten years from now I want my players to say: he brought it every day. That they learned to be passionate in what they do.
Football taught me to overcome adversity by being tenacious. Earn respect by how you do things. Integrity.
My coaching style? Play Fast, Play Fearless, No Regrets.
The most influential coach in my life was my Dad — he coached for close to 40 years. He instilled how I think about the game: be detailed in preparation, be detailed in technique, and remember it is not about me, but about the athletes.
My favorite part of the season is the playoffs. The intensity grows the deeper you play — it is a test of your will.
Rowland Football in one word? Growth. Every player who believes in the program will grow immensely as young men.
I coach football to give back to my players what was once given to me — to help them succeed in the classroom, on the field, and in life.
As for Rowland, Coach Citos gave me the opportunity to coach nine years ago — and I wouldn't be here without him. Being back home in the SGV makes it even more meaningful.
A moment that defines my time at Rowland so far? Beating Nogales. As a Nogales graduate myself, it's wild to say — but that moment stands out. I knew how much that rivalry win meant to our players and student body, and seeing their joy made it unforgettable.
The most influential coach in my life was Coach Mike Shaw — a legend in the Rowland Jr. All American program. He taught academics, sportsmanship, and how to play the game the right way.
I teach every player that effort is everything — 100% in the classroom, on the field, and in life. One coaching moment I'll never forget was winning CIF at Jurupa Hills. I can't wait to feel that same moment here at Rowland.
I coach football because I love the sport and enjoy passing my knowledge to the next generation. I coach at Rowland because this place defines family — and family is everything to me.
Ten years from now, I want my players to remember more than just football. I want them to remember the life lessons, the memories, and how it felt to have a coach who genuinely cared — on and off the field.
My favorite part of the season is Weeks 4 through 7. That stretch is the turning point — it's when routines start to get tough, but it's also when we discover what kind of team we really are.
I try to teach every player that there's more to football than just football. It's a game filled with physical, mental, and emotional lessons that stay with you forever.
A moment I'll never forget is celebrating a CIF Championship on the field. That feeling is something special — and I'll never forget it.
I coach football because it brings me back to my time as a youth athlete. The lessons I learned during those years shaped who I am, and I now have something to pass on to the next generation. Rowland Heights is my hometown — Coach Citos was my first varsity coach, and his return created the perfect opportunity for me to come home and give back.
Ten years from now, I hope my players remember that I didn't just help elevate their game — I helped elevate their lives. That something I said or did stuck with them and helped them later in life.
Football taught me to give 100% in everything I do — and to accept the outcome no matter what. It taught me toughness, mental strength, and how to stay locked in.
Coaching style: Leave it all on the field.
My most influential coaches: Coach John Rosales — tough as nails on the field, father-like off it. Coach Robert Rosales — taught me how to channel emotion to reach a new level. Coach Citos — high energy, passionate, and showed me that being part of the game is its own reward.
Rowland Football in one word? Brotherhood. Brothers push each other, compete with each other, and when it's time to face the world, they stand united. That kind of bond is unbreakable.
One moment I'll never forget? I believe I'm living that moment right now.
As a proud Rowland alum, I wanted to come back and give back. Coaching here is my way of pouring into the next generation the same way others poured into me.
Ten years from now, I hope my players remember how much passion I had for what I do — and how much I genuinely enjoyed it.
Football taught me teamwork. Whether it's family, school, or your career — you have to learn to work with others. It also taught me leadership: knowing when to step up, lead by example, and take responsibility for your actions.
Rowland Football in one word? Grit. Growing up in Rowland Heights, I saw firsthand how Rowland Football embodied toughness, hard work, and a relentless commitment to goals — season after season.
The most important thing I try to teach my players? Work ethic. If you want to improve at anything — on the field, in the classroom, or in life — it takes effort, repetition, and dedication. Success comes from consistent hard work.
I coach because I still have love and passion for the game of football. Rowland gave me the opportunity to continue pursuing that passion and give back to the game I love.
Football taught me how to be a leader and how to navigate the peaks and valleys of life.
My most influential coach? Coach Paul Rodriguez. He truly put all his faith and trust in me, and that belief helped shape who I am today.
My favorite part of the season is when we first get our gear. That moment symbolizes the start of something real — when we officially take that step toward becoming champions.
One moment I'll never forget: my very first day coaching — when the players called me "Coach" for the first time. That moment made everything feel real and marked the start of a new chapter in my life.
I coach high school football because I believe in giving back to these young men. Football is more than just a game — it's a platform to teach discipline, accountability, teamwork, and resilience. Every day is a chance to instill values that go far beyond the field.
I chose Rowland because I believe in continuous growth. Being surrounded by committed coaches and hardworking athletes gives me the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to something greater than myself.
Ten years from now, I want players to remember that I cared about them as more than just athletes. That I believed in them, supported them, and pushed them to be their best on and off the field.
My coaching style? Passionate — with relentless effort demanded from every student-athlete.
My favorite part of the season is the offseason. That's where true development happens — where character is built and players make the choice to outwork the competition when no one's watching.
The most important thing I try to teach: the way you treat others will carry you further in life than any touchdown, tackle, or highlight ever could.
Before Rowland, I had only worked for two coaches. During my first stint at St. Paul, I worked for the legendary Marijon Ancich — the 2nd-winningest coach in California history. To watch one of the greatest coaches ever in action was an experience I'll never forget. I got to hear all the great stories firsthand.
I also worked for Mike Moschetti at both La Mirada and St. Paul. Coach Moschetti gave me the latitude to develop a successful social media program and involved me in all aspects of the game, allowing me to develop a better understanding of football.
My favorite part of the football season? As Darius Rucker once said — "There are only two seasons: waiting for football season and football season."
The most important thing I try to teach every player: get good grades, work hard, play hard, and find a way.
One moment I'll never forget? Winning a state championship in 2015. I am honored and excited to be part of the Rowland Raiders Football program.
When I was a player, I didn't have a lot of guidance, which resulted in years of having to teach myself through trial and error. I never really had a chance to be a good football player because football was a different beast than what I thought it was — and there were so many things I didn't understand.
I see myself in all the players coming through the same program I did, and I coach to give them a real opportunity to decide their own success, both on and off the field.
Football has taught me that if you want to accomplish anything, you have to focus on the process and not the results — and that failing is a part of growth.
My coaching style? Tough love. Growth through adversity.
The coach who influenced me most is my mentor and former Frosh Head Coach, Todd Ball. He coached me as a freshman and gave me the opportunity to join this staff. His leadership and example molded me into the coach I am today.
My favorite part of the football season is also the saddest — when it comes to an end. It's the moment when you reflect on the memories, relationships, and foundations built throughout the year. It's something you can't find anywhere else.
As a Rowland employee, I see the potential these students have every day. With just a bit of coaching and direction, they can achieve more than they ever thought possible. That's why I coach — and why I do it here.
Ten years from now I want my players to remember that I was patient, believed in them, and always saw their potential — even when they didn't see it in themselves.
Football taught me self-confidence, determination, and to never give up — no matter how hard life gets.
In my first year coaching, a player named Josue was new to football. He struggled early on, but in the final game of the season, he asked to go in. He made a key play and came off the field full of joy and confidence. That moment was a turning point for him — and a reminder of why I coach.
I didn't have the opportunity to play for many years, so I never had an influential coach. That's why I strive to be the kind of coach I wish I had — someone who can be a positive, guiding influence in these young men's lives.
Football isn't easy — it's tough and not for everyone. But it's the ultimate team game, and it will teach you how to overcome challenges and achieve greatness in life.
School Staff
The People
Behind The Scenes.
From the Athletic Director to school administration — the educators and leaders who make Rowland Football possible.
Coach John Molla is more than just Rowland's Athletic Director — he's part of its legacy. A proud graduate of Rowland High himself, Coach Molla returned to teach at his alma mater and never left. Over the decades he's worn many hats: educator, baseball coach, basketball coach, and now the leader guiding the future of Rowland athletics.
His story began in the stands — watching games with his grandfather in 1975. His father was part of the school's first graduating class in 1966, and that sense of tradition has never left. John went on to play baseball for Rowland and later poured his passion into coaching before taking the reins of the athletic program.
His vision is rooted in community, character, and pride. He believes athletics are the heartbeat of campus — and that when football thrives, school spirit follows. Coach Molla is committed to uniting teachers, coaches, and families to build a stronger experience for every student-athlete.
He leads with humility and heart, and his legacy isn't just in trophies — it's in the culture he's helping shape. For him, this is home. And every decision is made with the goal of leaving Rowland better than he found it.
The Huddle Board
The Heart
Behind The Helmet.
The Rowland Raiders Football Huddle Club board — the parents and community members who make it all happen off the field.
I first met members of the football booster club four years ago when my son was in the 10th grade. I attended meetings, volunteered, and made a true connection with them. I wanted to be a part of it — so I joined.
Growing up, my mother would volunteer at church. I have always believed that we need to give back to our communities. My family and I have volunteered and raised funds for multiple organizations like the March of Dimes, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, National Down Syndrome Society, and the Breast Cancer Foundation.
As president, I have a big responsibility — but I don't do it all alone. From scheduling fundraisers, ensuring that we have enough volunteers at the fireworks stand, snack bar, and special events, to connecting with local businesses to obtain donations for our football program. We are also support staff for our coaches and players.
I wanted to make a difference during the years my son was playing football and for all future players as well. I hope to instill a sense of trust with the players, football families, and our Rowland Heights community members. I love that I am part of the Rowland Raiders Football Huddle — we have an amazing program that has grown so much over the last couple of years.
I hope to be able to make a true difference in a player's football experience, build long-lasting relationships, and continue to grow our football family throughout the years.
"I give it my all, and I have no regrets. You will always get my undivided attention."
Jerry De Anda is a proud Rowland Raider alumnus from the Class of 2001, a former player, and now the Auditor for the Rowland Football Huddle Club. His journey with Rowland Football came full circle when his son joined the program, inspiring him to give back to the team that helped shape his youth.
With more than six years of youth football coaching experience and two years as a Board Member for Rowland Raiders Pop Warner, Jerry brings both experience and heart to his volunteer role. He and his wife have actively served on several PTA boards, and professionally, Jerry helped organize community events through the "Caring First" board at his workplace.
Jerry is the type of person who shows up wherever he's needed. Whether it's behind the scenes or on the front lines of game day logistics, he believes football is a family sport that requires 100% effort and commitment. His support is steady, dependable, and deeply rooted in pride for the Raider name.
The culture shift brought on by the new coaching staff reenergized Jerry's dedication to the program. What started as support for his son turned into a heartfelt mission to uplift the next generation of athletes. For Jerry and his family, giving back to Rowland Football isn't just tradition — it's legacy.
When all is said and done, Jerry wants to be remembered simply as someone who was always willing to help.
Supporting Members
Making It
All Possible.
From media to community connections — these are the people who bring the Rowland Football experience to life every single day.
Juan brings unmatched passion and legacy pride to the program. His creative leadership drives everything from video content to community engagement to sponsor partnerships. With a background rooted in Rowland High and years of experience behind the lens, he helps every student-athlete feel next-level — on and off the field.
"My goal is to give these kids what I wish I had — and more. The media days, the mic'd ups, the storytelling — it's about showing them they belong on the big stage."
Whether filming highlight reels, building the program's digital presence, or connecting sponsors to the community, Juan is all-in on the program's present and future. You'll often see him out there with his wife and two boys — building not just a program, but a legacy.
Lupe Mancilla serves as the Public Relations and Sponsorship Coordinator for Rowland Football — and proudly carries the unofficial title of Team Mom. Her journey into Rowland began through her husband Juan, a Raider alumnus. What started as helping him film Powderpuff games turned into a deep commitment to the Rowland community and a passion for giving athletes the recognition they deserve.
With a background rooted in storytelling and service, Lupe learned photography the old-school way — developing film in a dark room. That foundation shaped her eye for moments that matter. Whether coordinating sponsors, photographing game days, or building bridges between families and coaches, she brings excellence and empathy to every role.
Lupe's work is driven by visibility — making sure that every player feels seen, valued, and proud of where they come from. She believes that every zip code deserves a spotlight, and she uses her lens and voice to help tell the stories that often go untold.
What makes her commitment even more personal is the legacy she's helping shape. Her sons are already a part of the Rowland Football culture — running around at practice, calling Coach Citos "Coach," and dreaming of their own Raider future. To Lupe, this isn't just volunteer work. It's about family, about pride, and about building something that will last long after the final whistle.
Lupe is inspired by storytellers like Walt Disney and leaders like Princess Diana — people who created magic through compassion and vision. In every photo she takes, every message she sends, and every moment she captures, she's making sure that Rowland Football isn't just remembered — it's legendary.
Rowland Football
Rowland High School
2000 Otterbein Ave
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
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