Football Preview: Rocklin looks to trio of D1 prospects to lead

After graduating a large share of its firepower in the trenches and the backfield, Rocklin enters the new season with some uncertainty. Still, the Thunder remain loaded with playmakers and are aiming for a third straight trip to the Sac-Joaquin Section championship game. Leading the way for the Thunder is a trio of Division I commits in quarterback Reeve Slone, cornerback and receiver Josiah Andrews and defensive lineman Dominic Coelho. Rocklin coach Jason Adams says that the three prospects set the tone for this season and lead by example for the younger players. "Those three bring in a lot of reps and a lot of high character leadership just the way they carry themselves when they walk into the weight room or the film room. The rest of the kids pay a little bit better attention when those guys are around," said Adams. "It's like having a second set of coaches. We know kids are going to do things right when those guys are around both on the field and off." Slone, a Nevada commit, has thrown for over 4,500 yards and 43 touchdowns in his first varsity season. He led the Thunder to the Division II section title in 2023 but came up just short of back-to-back titles in 2024. He says that last year's championship loss to Grant has fueled this senior class coming into the season as they want to go out on top of the section. "It definitely left a bitter taste in our mouths and we never want to be at that spot again," said Slone. "I've got a lot of weapons around me and a lot of talent. Our coaches are doing a good job getting us ready for the season. I think we're gonna be ready." Two of Slone's top targets on the outside are familiar faces to him. Northern Arizona commit Josiah Andrews and Connor Bow have been friends with Slone since they were eight years old, playing several different sports together growing up. Slone says that their chemistry with each other is unmatched and it pays off when they are on the field together. "We've been hitting the field since we were eight years old, and it's kind of just built on since we started doing that," said Slone. "It's really nice having those two out there, and they'll both be a big part of our season this year." "They've shared so many life experiences together, and we've won some football games and won some basketball games on really big stages with those three," said Adams of the three. " That quiet confidence that those three have is really, really important." Adams said one group to watch this season will be the offensive line, which replaces three starters from a year ago. While the Thunder are still searching for who will fill those holes, Adams said that seniors Jack Grocock and Mateo Nunez have stepped up and look to be ready to work in the trenches. On the defensive line, San Diego State commit Coelho is ready to lead the charge after racking up eight tackles for loss last season. Coelho was a rotational player last season but is expected to fill a bigger role this fall. "He's got this quiet confidence about him and he's gotten an electric first step," Adams said of Coelho. "He's tough as nails. We call him a lunch pail guy because he just comes here to do the work." Coelho knows that some new players will be stepping into big shoes on both sides of the ball this season but he feels confident that Rocklin will not lose a step after graduating so much star power. Said Coelho, "I think we're building really well. Some new guys are stepping up and filling the void. We've got a good season ahead, and we're ready to face big challenges."