GAGE ROWLAND

HILLDALE HIGH SCHOOL

As a senior two-way starter at running back and linebacker for the Hilldale Hornets this football season, Gage Rowland has embraced his job of being the guy to keep the team in focus in tough situations.

“He’s really shown more team leadership this year, particularly in late game situations when it’s easy to get distracted especially if you’re behind. Gage is the guy who helps get them back in focus,” said head coach David Blevins.

“I think a leader has to be a motivator,” Rowland continued. “I can see that when the other guys score first, we tend to get down, so my job is to get our attitudes right.”

Growing up in Arkansas, Gage started out playing flag football in kindergarten while watching his older bother Trace Ford play football. When they moved to Muskogee, Gage was able to start playing tackle football and continued to watch his brother play at Hilldale.

“I’ve known Gage since seventh grade when I first came here and he’s gotten better every year,” said Blevins. “Last year he had wrist injury that forced him to play with a brace most of the season, but he still had a good year (746 yards rushing).”

Outside of football, Gage also plays soccer where he has played striker and probably defender this year, is a member of the Nike Club, FCA and National Honor Society and admits that he is a pretty self-motivated individual.

“I watch a lot of clips of myself and use those to try and improve every day.”

Rowland established a couple of goals for himself when the season started including topping the 1000-yard rushing mark this year and scoring at least 10 touchdowns. Among his highlights as a Hornet, Gage looks back to his sophomore year.

“In our game against Broken Bow that year I had a pick six, another interception and some deflected passes.”

As he plays in his senior season, Gage Rowland had some thoughts on his legacy as a Hornet.

“I’d like to be remembered as the best power back to ever come out of Hilldale.”

Rowland has one college offer in his pocket and wants to study engineering wherever he ends up in college.