2006 Rowland football schedule + analysis …

Things haven’t been this exciting around the Rowland football program since, well, most of this year’s team wasn’t a lock to make it thru the night without wetting the bed. So, it’s pretty exciting.

Rowland broke through in a big way last year. Fans are now hoping for another step forward this season. Last year’s success, believe it or not, was something most observers saw coming. Rowland sports one of the best soon-to-be senior classes around. These guys have taken great pride in turning around the program. It’s amazing they stayed together and lived up to the promise.
What jumps out at me is that the Raiders’ sked is chalk full of games worthy of seeing. The Glendora game is an odd matchup. Wilson as the league bye is another good one. And of course, the wars with South Hills and WestCo are priceless.

California (win)
Sonora (win)
Montebello (win)
Don Lugo (toss-up)
Glendora (toss-up)
Nogales (win)
South Hills (toss-up)
Walnut (win)
Wilson (toss-up)
West Covina (loss)

As you can tell, this team has a chance for a very productive season. Nobody can say right now which way the Don Lugo, Glendora , South Hills or Wilson games go.
I think 7-3 or 8-2 is a good projection right now. Rowland has a good QB in Chase returning, which is something I really like at the high school level. A good QB with experience is an incredible headstart at this level. RB Rene Small was hyped going into last year and he flashed signs of worthiness, but it was Mark Burgos who did most of the Raiders’ damage on the ground.
The defense has some big shoes to fill with Gorb and Reagan Seui gone. Their loss can’t be underestimated. LB Chad Norys must now anchor the entire defense. There is a new head coach in Snyder, but he was there last season as a coordinator, so it’s hardly a sweat.
This will be a good team to see toward the end of hell week. But the potential is there for another big year.

Projected record: 7.5-2.5
League: Second place
Playoffs: Yes. Semifinals darkhorse.

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