Week 9 Wins Light Up Aurora’s 2026 Prep Football Season
Aurora families are still buzzing after a thrilling Week 9 on the gridiron. Five local powerhouses—Cherokee Trail, Eaglecrest, Gateway, Regis Jesuit, and Smoky Hill—clinched pivotal victories that could reshape the playoff picture as the regular season winds down.
At Cherokee Trail, senior quarterback Mason Torres led a comeback against a tough rival, finishing with 312 yards passing and three touchdowns. The crowd at Cherokee Trail High’s stadium, packed with neighbors from the South Aurora community, roared as the final whistle blew, securing a 28‑21 win that keeps the Warriors in contention for a top seed.
Eaglecrest’s defense shone on home turf, forcing four turnovers in a 24‑10 shutout over a longtime foe. Defensive end Jamal Patel’s sack‑and‑recovery in the third quarter sparked a wave of high‑fives from the East Aurora fans who gathered early for the tailgate.
Over at Gateway, the Raiders’ running back Luis Ramirez broke a 75‑yard dash for a game‑winning touchdown, edging out the opposition 31‑27. The victory sent a surge of excitement through the Gateway Ridge neighborhood, where local businesses displayed “Go Raiders!” banners all week.
Regis Jesuit continued its storied tradition with a disciplined 21‑14 win, thanks to a clutch field goal from senior kicker Ethan Liu as the clock wound down. Alumni from the West Aurora area turned out in force, reminding everyone why the Jesuit program remains a community cornerstone.
Finally, Smoky Hill rallied behind a last‑minute interception return for a touchdown, sealing a 27‑20 triumph that has the North Aurora crowd chanting “Smoky Hill!” well into the night.
