Even though football players are used to injuries—from minor ones to those of the catastrophic variety—nothing could prepare Los Gatos High School senior Rowan Merrick for what he experienced in the days leading up to last year’s league game against Sacred Heart Prep.
During a practice two days before the game, Merrick went shoulder to shoulder with a teammate, resulting in an AC joint injury, or shoulder separation.
“I heard cracks and my arm went limp,” said Merrick, a left tackle. “I heard cracks going down my shoulder and it was something I’ve never felt before. It definitely was a shock. It wasn’t a stinger, and it felt like my shoulder was hanging off (the joint).”
Merrick missed the next five games but was able to return for the Central Coast Section Division I championship game, where the Wildcats lost to St. Francis, 27-7. The injury and the title game loss have been a driving force for Merrick and his teammates, who begin strength and conditioning training at 7:15am during the spring and summer.
“That CCS game loss, I hate that feeling,” Merrick said. “Losing is not my favorite thing, so I’ve been working hard everyday since then. I’m trying to get better and trying to get my teammates better because the goal is to win CCS.”
Merrick said a cohesive football team is akin to a band of brothers because strong bonds are forged through countless hours spent together on and off the field. The student-athletes motivate each other to get to the next level.
“Everyone is working toward something,” Merrick said. “It’s not just about yourself. Football is a team sport and you’re doing this for your brothers. When you’re doing this for someone else besides yourself, it helps you make the sacrifices and work hard even when you don’t feel like it.”
The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Merrick has played nearly every position on both the offensive and defensive line, though his favorite position is left tackle.
“But I’ll play wherever the coaches put me,” he said.
During the off-season, Merrick has been focusing on his speed and getting more explosive off the line.
“I’ve definitely improved a lot in my 40 (yard dash) time,” he said. “I feel a lot faster and I can move a lot better than last year. I’ve been doing speed training for years now, and it all adds up over time. This year, I definitely feel like it’s all coming together.”
Merrick credits the Los Gatos coaching staff for building a competitive environment that allows players to thrive and continually improve.
“The coaches have taught me so much over the years,” he said.
Merrick also credited his cousin, Cole Merrick, for inspiring him to start playing football. Cole is a 2020 LGHS graduate and played the center position.
“I wanted to play football because with me going to Los Gatos, I wanted to be like him,” Rowan said. “But I never played Pop Warner and going into it, I basically knew two positions: quarterback and receiver. It was definitely a shock at first because I didn’t know how much went into playing the sport at a high level. The most football experience I had prior to Los Gatos was playing three flags up in (middle) school. I had to learn fast so I would ask Cole every question I could. He was very helpful.”
Rowan chose jersey no. 63 because Cole wore the same number during his playing days. Merrick works at the Summit Store on weekends year-round, which makes things particularly challenging during football season. However, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It’s hard going in for that Saturday shift at 12 (noon) after a Friday night game,” he said. “But it really goes toward helping me with my discipline toward football. After a tough game you’re really sore, and just getting up and getting into work is a tough thing. But working at Summit has been an amazing experience because I’ve met a lot of new people and it’s something I look forward to.”
