Cherokee Trail High School Football Playoff History (2005‑Present)
Since its inaugural season in 2005, the Cherokee Trail High School football program has become a staple of Aurora’s Friday night lights. Over the past 19 seasons the Trail Blazers have earned 12 playoff berths, delivering memorable moments that still echo through the community’s backyard tailgates and local sports bars.
Early Years (2005‑2009) The Blazers burst onto the scene in 2007, clinching their first Colorado 5A playoff spot after a 9‑2 regular‑season record. Although they fell in the first round to a seasoned Boulder‑area powerhouse, the victory sparked a growing fan base across Aurora’s southeast neighborhoods.
Rise to Contention (2010‑2015) A turning point arrived in 2012 when Cherokee Trail posted a 10‑1 record, advancing to the quarterfinals—the deepest run in school history to date. The 2014 squad repeated the feat, highlighted by a dramatic overtime win against Cherry Creek High School that still fuels debate on local sports podcasts.
Recent Seasons (2016‑2023) The Blazers have remained consistent, securing playoff entries in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2023. The 2021 team posted a 9‑3 record, falling just short in the semifinals to the eventual state champions, a game that drew a record crowd at the Aurora Sports Complex.
What’s Next? With a strong junior class returning and Coach Mike “Maverick” Anderson entering his 8th year, expectations are high for the 2024 season. Aurora residents can look forward to another thrilling chapter in Cherokee Trail’s playoff saga—whether you’re cheering from the bleachers at Cherokee Trail High School’s
