Friday Night Lights Game

Nogales High School
VS
Rowland High School
New Nogales High School Head Football Coach Gustavo Martinez.
Pictured above, the "Battle of the Tracks" trophy teams are fighting for!
Excitement is building across our community as everyone is gearing up for the “Battle of the Tracks game,” the yearly match up for bragging rights as the Nogales Nobles face off against the Rowland Raiders! This year the Friday night lights will be shining even brighter on new artificial turf fields just installed at both high schools. No matter who you are rooting for, our community is invited to a great game tomorrow night, Friday, September 24 at the Nogales High School Stadium. Gates open at 6 PM, game starts at 7 PM. *For the continued safety of all, masks are encouraged to be worn.*

New Noble at the Helm

You can feel the energy radiating from the new Nogales High School Head Football Coach Gustavo Martinez and students as they practice on their new field. “What a great job our District, Principal, and Athletic Director did on the design of the new field. The colors just pop and both fields at Nogales and Rowland are just gorgeous. We are blessed to have the community’s support.” Martinez brings more than 25 years of coaching experience from Fullerton High School, where he had success leading teams to the semi-finals, finals and all star games. “We can only imagine what this Friday will be like with a packed house under the lights playing our cross town rival for the Battle of the Tracks trophy… we can’t wait,” said Martinez. 
Nogales Quarterback Senior Cesar Garcia is ready for a great game and season. “This past Spring was tough but we made it through a chaotic season. Now it feels amazing to be back. The new stadium is fantastic, it means everything to us and represents the entire school.” When asked about his new coach, a huge smile spreads across his face as he says proudly, “I want our community to know what amazing coaches we have. Coach Gus teaches us everything, not only about football, but about manners and respect for our school and teachers.” Garcia has played football all four years and started as Varsity Quarterback his Sophomore year. When not on the field, you can find him on the wrestling mat. 

Coach Martinez shares that he is a firm believer that community support goes both ways. “We don’t hold our hands out and ask our community to just support us - we support our community too. We are going to be out in our community as much as we can, giving back once we are able to do so."
Nogales High School Quarterback Cesar Garcia is excited for the big game.

"What brought me to Nogales is I know there is great talent here along with heart and pride. I am looking forward to building a program that the school and community can be proud of," said Coach Gus.
Rowland High School Head Football Coach Ryan Jacobson.
Raiders Ready to Roll

Rowland High School Football Coach Ryan Jacobson is starting his 9th season as the head coach and his history as a Raider runs deep. “Can you believe that 20 years ago I played in the Battle of the Tracks game? The pageantry of the game, the history, it really is exciting and this year is even more special since we didn’t get the chance to play our rivals last year so there is added excitement. ”

“It is so exciting to get back to a regular football season. Attendance at our games has been amazing - you can tell the community wanted to feel some Americana and we are expecting a big crowd on Friday,” said Jacobson. “The new field is majestic and you can tell immediately of the advancements made in the quality of the material.” The new synthetic turf that has been installed at both stadiums is filled with washed silicon sand and a patented product called “FIELDTURF COOLPLAY. ” COOLPLAY is approximately 25 ℉ cooler than traditional turf and infill and is used by 22 of the 32 NFL Teams and has been installed at over 100 NCAA Division-1 Schools.  
Rowland High School Football Captain Jacob Bingham.
Raider Team Captain Senior Jacob Bingham is thrilled to be back. The Senior plays a variety of positions on both sides of the ball, including full back, half back and linebacker. “It means so much to be back this season. It wasn’t really a season last year. This is our last chance to show who we are as seniors.” And what does he say about the field? “WOW! I LOVE the new field -- it is amazing! It is so cool that we get to be the first class to play on it.”

When asked what message to share with the community, Bingham said enthusiastically, “Come on out to the game -- We are going to go out there, do our best and put on a show!”
BOOSTER MEMBERS NEEDED
Calling Parents & Community Members!
If you are interested in getting involved during this exciting, building season for either the Rowland Raiders or Nogales Nobles, please contact the coaches below:

Nogales High School Nobles Coach:
gus.martinez@rowlandschools.org

Rowland High School Raiders Coach:
rjacobson@rowlandschools.org
Help Us Build RUSD's Future - Openings for Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee
Two Openings for District Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee

The District is looking for two community members to join our team on the RUSD Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee. We are looking for members that represent the community in two specific areas: a member of a Tax Payers' Organization and a Business Community Member. The committee reviews the District's expenditures of bond proceeds raised by the $118 million 2006 Measure R Bond and te $158.8 Million 2021 Measure R Bond for schools across the District.

Deadline to apply is September 30, 2021. For more information to apply click here or call the RUSD Administrative Services Department at (626)854-8309.
September 23, 2021 Issue RUSD News Editor gward@rowlandschools.org
Proud to Serve Our Communities of Rowland Heights, La Puente, Walnut & West Covina
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