With an overall record of 4-2, Rocklin football struggled to unite as a team to have early success in the season. After suspensions of many key players, Rocklin lost their third game to neighboring rivals, Whitney High, 28-20, followed by a tough loss to Oakridge 38-22 in their fifth overall game.

Rocklin has excelled in offense with a total of 206.7 receiving yards, 164.8 rushing yards as well as 28 touchdowns. However, defense is always a key factor in the outcome of every game, and it was notable that a big piece was missing.

Chase Hatada, a Boise State bound strong-side defensive end, is an important prospect in Rocklin’s defensive field of play. During a tackling drill in practice, Chase and another teammate collided causing Hatada’s knee to buckle. Chase was informed after visiting the doctor that he would have to sit out for six weeks to help in the recovery process. For two weeks, he was forced to have limited movement on his knee and the remaining four weeks he attended immense physical therapy sessions to regain strength in his knee.

After the loss of Chase, the team was without a key defender and leader which affected the team as a whole. The defensive line struggled without Hatada and the team’s record shows it.

Chase, however, recovered quickly and was eligible to play on last Friday’s game against Del Oro. The players and community recognized his impact on the team’s overall well-being. He came back strong as ever and had seven tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble. Colin Wahl, a defensive lineman, was quite ecstatic with Chase’s return.

“Chase sets a strong edge at D-End, he helps get a lot of sacks and tackles. He’s just overall very productive and helpful,” Colin explains.

The Thunder were in need of a change in the way they were playing due to recent losses.

“The hindering against Whitney was really tough, but Chase helped us get back on track,” Devin DaCosta, one of Rocklin’s DB’s, adds.

Chase brings a lot more than just his defensive abilities to the team. Many players on Rocklin have said that Hatada adds to the team’s intimidation factor, with his 6’3, 255 lb frame.

The return of Chase Hatada, not only affects play, but also transforms the team mindset, sparking hopes of a spot in the playoffs.