Injury ends season – not hope

In the off-season he took the sled out for a few runs.

But Johnny Rowland wasn’t sledding down snow-packed hills or flying over jumps through the winter air. He was pulling sleds – sleds loaded down with weights. It was part of his football training regimen.

“He’s always trying to improve himself for the team and get others to improve themselves as well,” said Jeff Hinz, football coach at Post Falls High School. “He does his own conditioning and weightlifting programs. … Whatever we offer (in the off-season) he takes on to improve himself on the field.”

Rowland, a senior football and basketball player at Post Falls High School, played flag football at first, then he strapped on the pads and started taking hits in sixth grade. Besides pulling sleds in the off-season, Rowland went to the University of Idaho’s Vandals Camp as well as Eastern Washington University’s football camp.

“It’s always been my favorite sport,” Rowland said. “(I love) playing on Friday nights in front of the whole school, representing Post Falls and trying to get into the playoffs.”

Rowland’s dream of making the playoffs was the final goal on his list of things to do as a senior. He already accomplished two out of three: make varsity and become team captain.

But his dreams of playing for a championship hit a bump when Rowland was injured Sept. 21 – on his birthday – against Moscow.

A fractured shoulder blade ended Rowland’s season.

Despite not being able to join his teammates on the field, he is still in the stadium on Friday nights and on the field – in spirit.

“I still go to games and give my team support,” Rowland said.

Rowland led Post Falls to a 4-0 record before his season-ending injury. With four straight wins the team already beat its success from last year as it finished last season with a 3-6 record.

The team lost to Lakeland the week after Rowland’s injury.

“Everyone’s pretty disappointed,” Rowland said. “I think I could have helped.”

Post Falls started the season strongly, taking down rival Sandpoint 28-14. Rowland remembers that game well: He made his mark with an interception.

“He comes out and plays every Friday night with a lot of effort and intensity,” Hinz said before Rowland’s injury.

The biggest disappointment for Rowland is that this is his senior year and his final time to shine. Before the injury, Hinz thought for sure Rowland’s best was yet to come.

“It’s not like he’s a type of player that’s made a big play in every game – he’s always constant,” Hinz said. “He’s had outstanding performances. He’s had lots of tackles, interceptions, sacked quarterbacks – I don’t think he’s had his best game yet. He’s always improving.”

However, the senior from Post Falls said there is still a chance that he will recover in time for playoffs.

“I just gotta rest up, hope my shoulder recovers right and get back to practice,” said Rowland, who is counting down the five-week recovery estimated by his doctor.

Rowland hopes his team can keep its winning mentality during his healing process so he can get a second chance. His biggest concern, besides his shoulder, is the larger competitors.

“There is a lot of pressure when we’re playing the bigger 5A schools,” Rowland said. “In non-league games we play to win … but against 5A teams, if you lose, your season’s pretty much over.”

While Rowland loves football, he is not sure if it is something he will pursue in the future. Still, Hinz thinks Rowland is completely capable – fractured shoulder or not.

“With the work ethic and intelligence Johnny has shown and the leadership, whatever Johnny chooses to do he’s gonna be successful,” Hinz said.