CLASS 5A FIRST ROUND STATE PLAYOFF MATCHUP
N0. 20 REGIS JESUIT (4-5) vs. NO. 13 GATEWAY (7-2)
Nov. 1, Aurora Public Schools Stadium, 6 p.m.
BREAKDOWN: The two Aurora teams meet on the football field for the first time since 2005, when the Raiders won 30-0 in the regular season. …GATEWAY: The Olys are playing a state playoff game on their home field for the first time since 2005, when they lost to Grandview 33-13 at APSS in the second round of the 5A state playoffs after winning at Poudre in the opening round under previous coach Jeff Sweet. That was also the last time Gateway posted a playoff victory as current coach Justin Hoffman’s team lost to Poudre in the first round in 2008, then in 2009 and 2010 to Bear Creek at Jefferson County Stadium and to eventual runner-up Lakewood last season. …Gateway’s defense has been outstanding this season, as it has allowed just 66 points in nine games, with 25 coming in a one-point loss to Rangeview. Conversely, the Olys ground game featuring workhorses Miguel Gonzalez and Tory Adams and run by senior quarterback Tate Johnson has put up 399 points, including back-to-back 69-point efforts against Adams City and Hinkley. …REGIS JESUIT: Regis Jesuit makes its fourth appearance in the state playoffs in as many seasons under coach Mark Nolan, who guided the team to the 5A quarterfinals in 2009 and the state championship game in 2010 before a first-round playoff exit last season at Fairview’s hands. …The Raiders suffered some major injuries earlier in the season — losing running backs Chukwuma Obinnah and Grant Neal in the second game of the season against Horizon — but Nolan says they could return if Regis Jesuit can extend its playoff run. …All nine of Regis Jesuit’s opponents during the regular season made the 5A playoffs, including top-seeded ThunderRidge, No. 3 Cherokee Trail and No. 7 Chaparral. …Statistically, junior running back Jalen Williams has a team-high 447 yards rushing, while sophomore Trevor Williams has rushed for five touchdowns, including three in a season-ending win over Highlands Ranch. Defensively, junior lineback Quinn Vandekoppel has racked up 104 tackles and Antonio Broadus has five sacks. …The winner plays either No. 4 Valor Christian or No. 29 Legacy in the second round.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555