Rose Hill Returns Eight Key Starters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're coming up on another week closer to the start of the ‘26 campaign, which means there's another program preview on deck. This time the spotlight is shined on a 4A program looking to keep the momentum going.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm referring to the Rockets of Rose Hill. The Rockets are coming off their best record since the 2020 season (6-4), and they're returning multiple key starters on offense, defense, and special teams. Each of these prospects were also <em>All-League</em> performers last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Offensive Starters Returning</em></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='1521132' first='Zander' last='Ford'] is likely to be the center piece of the Rockets' offense. He's one of the more dynamic signal callers in this class, as he's a three-sport athlete and a legit dual-threat on the gridiron. His play will be important to the Rockets' success this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another prospect that should have a huge role offensively is [player_tooltip player_id='1307966' first='Kai' last='Kirchhoff-Jones']. He's set to take on the lead back role after splitting carries last season. Kirchhoff-Jones' explosive running is sure to provide a huge spark for the Rockets' ground game. The senior is also a <em>2x All-League</em> selection for his play at defensive back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No matter how much offensive firepower a program has they still need to have some beef in the trenches. Fortunately for the Rockets, they return two hogs from their 2025 starting unit. <strong>Luke Nottingham</strong> (Senior) is another <em>2x All-League</em> performer, and <strong>Myles Easley</strong> (Senior) was an <em>All-League</em> pick last season as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Defensive Starters Returning</em></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockets' defense was solid last season, and they even had a four-game stretch where they held opponents to just over 12 points per game. A big reason their defensive unit had success can be accredited to the play of [player_tooltip player_id='1362958' first='Levi' last='McLaughlin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1655189' first='Remington' last='Merlau']. The two <em>D-I </em>level prospects are sure to dominate.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Folks shouldn't forget about <strong>Gavin Bantam </strong>(Senior) either. He was an <em>All-League</em> defensive end last season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Returning Specialist</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not only is <strong>Joshua Herrera</strong> (Senior) a standout soccer player, but he was an <em>All-League</em> kicker for the Rockets last season too. His experience could come up big this fall.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->