Garland Rowlett Eagles
Head Coach: Derek Alford (6th season; 19-32 record)
Last Season: 6-5; 6-2 in district (Lost to Longview in bi-district round)
Returning Lettermen: 28 (6 returning starters on offense; 9 on defense)
Rowlett Key Players and Storylines
The drought is over. Last season, for the first time since 2018, Rowlett made it back to the playoffs.
The Eagles are poised to build off that accomplishment too with 53 players in this year’s senior class. As a whole, Rowlett returns 28 lettermen from last year’s team.
Quarterback Sam Loera (2,378 passing yards, 453 rushing yards) returns to lead the offense. He can also run the ball when needed with his 6’2”, 225-pound frame. At receiver, 6’4” Rhyan Hamilton (695 receiving yards and four touchdowns) is Rowlett’s big target, while Micah Pearson (668 receiving yards and three touchdowns) is a playmaker with the ball in his hands
Braxton Moore (421 receiving yards and three touchdowns) can do a little bit of everything. He was Rowlett’s third-leading receiver last year, but he may play some more at running back this season. He’s also a standout cornerback on defense (20 tackles).
6’0 2027 CB/Wr with quick twitch and high play recognition pic.twitter.com/Pnf4Ez8U5e
— Braxton Moore (@BraxMoore2027) December 8, 2025
Joining him defensively is defensive end Xavier Beale, who has great length at 6’3” and 220 pounds. In the middle of the field, Khali Smith should fly around with his speed at linebacker.
The Eagles will need to fill some holes on the offensive line, but overall, head coach Derek Alford believes this group can be even stronger than last year.
He said the goal is to “work to be the best team in our district.” After Rowlett’s two district losses came by just six total points a year ago, it’s a goal that’s within reach as the Eagles chase their first outright district title in school history.
2026 Schedule
*-Denotes District 9-6A contest
Thursday 8-27-26 @LD Bell at Pennington Field 7:00
Thursday 9-3-26 vs. Crandall at HBJ 7:00
Thursday 9-10-26 @Frisco Wakeland at Kuykendall Stadium-Frisco 7:00
*Friday 9-18-26 vs. South Garland at HBJ 7:00
*Friday 9-25-26 @Sachse at HBJ 7:00
*Thursday 10-8-26 vs. Lakeview Centennial at HBJ 7:00
*Thursday 10-15-26 @Wylie East at Wylie Stadium 5:30
*Friday 10-23-26 vs. Garland at HBJ 7:00
*Friday 10-30-26 @Wylie at Wylie Stadium 7:00
*Thursday 11-5-26 @North Garland at Williams Stadium 7:00
