AURORA | All 11 Aurora area football programs were in action Week 4 and seven of them came out victorious in the penultimate week of non-conference play.
Aurora Central, Gateway, Grandview and Regis Jesuit picked up home victories, while Cherokee Trail, Eaglecrest and Rangeview prevailed on the road as momentum continues to build ahead towards the start of league slates.
Homecoming played a big part in several local contests and Gateway and Regis Jesuit both delighted the nostalgic home crowds with decisive victories and got into the win column for the first time on the season in the process.
On Sept. 18 at Aurora Public Schools Stadium, coach Rashad Mason’s Olys (1-3) led from start to finish of a 49-0 victory over Adams City. Gateway produced its highest point total since Week 8 of the 2023 season with an attack that saw junior quarterback Westin Rayburn throw for 196 yards and a touchdown and also rush for a score, while sophomore Jake Brock also had a touchdown toss plus a rush for score. Junior Lyric Wynn had an explosive outing with 227 yards of total offense (152 yards receiving, including a 60-yard touchdown catch) plus 75 yards and a score on the ground, while senior William Nongo and sophomores Luis Grajeda and Ziah Hendrix also got into the end zone for the Olys.
Regis Jesuit also displayed offensive fireworks in its initial victory, as coach Danny Filleman’s team rolled to a 47-14 win Sept. 19 at Lou Kellogg Stadium. The Raiders racked up 20 points apiece in each of the opening two periods as sophomore quarterback Luke Rubley used his arm and legs to account for five touchdowns (three passing, two rushing). Sophomore Joe Pron produced 143 yards of total offense and score via reception and rush, while fellow sophomore Colt Jones caught two scoring passes and junior Benjamin Bacon rushed for a touchdown as well.
On the other side, Eaglecrest spoiled the Homecoming festivities of Denver East — which celebrated its 150th anniversary — with a 43-0 victory Sept. 19 at All-City Stadium. Coach Jesse German’s Raptors improved to 3-1 with its second straight shutout performance, which also included defensive touchdowns from seniors Cameron Bell and Noah Fulgham, plus a special teams score from Bell. The connection of sophomore quarterback William Brinkman to junior Jack Steiner clicked for two touchdown passes as well for Eaglecrest.
Rangeview also played Homecoming wrecker, as it went to Legacy Stadium Sept. 19 and downed Smoky Hill 34-15. Senior Tyson Tuck threw touchdown passes to sophomore Donte Allison and senior Keylen Mack, while seniors Kemariahe Brown (133 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Kylen Mack (101 yards) cracked 100 yards on the ground for coach Chris Lopez’s Raiders as they moved to 3-1. Senior Jayden Hopkins and junior Braylon Howard each rushed for touchdowns for coach Brandon Alconcel’s Buffaloes, who are now 2-2.
Aurora Central improved to 3-1 on the season with a 41-0 road win at Greeley Central Sept. 18. Coach Chris Kelly’s Trojans surpassed last season’s win total of two and avenged a seven-point loss from the previous season with help from 194 yards of total offense from junior Markell Perkins, who passed and rushed for a touchdown. Junior Damian Ramirez rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns, while junior Julian Harris and senior Jaylin Bester also scored, as did senior Felix Morales via fumble return.
Grandview knocked Rock Canyon from the ranks of the unbeaten with a 37-0 victory Sept. 20 at Legacy Stadium as part of Cherry Creek Schools’ Military Appreciation event. Coach Tom Doherty’s Wolves (3-2) got a big night from junior Jaxson Flores, who took back two passes to the end zone for touchdowns and also caught a scoring pass from senior Blitz McCarty. Junior Noah Galvez knocked through three field goals to round out the offense.
Cherokee Trail got back into the win column with a gritty 14-9 road win at Rocky Mountain. Coach Justin Jajczyk’s Cougars (2-2) scored defensively when junior Cristian Mbamarah took back an interception to the end zone, while sophomore quarterback Bryson Peterson threw a touchdown to sophomore Rayshon Stanley.
Vista PEAK Prep was poised for a fourth victory with a 20-point lead in the second half against Denver South Sept. 18 at Aurora Public Schools Stadium, only to see the Ravens rally for a 35-34 victory. Coach Kyle Reese’s team got another outstanding rushing performance from senior Tyrone Smiley, who piled up 159 yards and scored three touchdowns. Seniors Isaiah Watson and Joshua Gallien each added touchdowns for the Bison, while senior Tayshaun McClain had 16 tackles and a fumble recovery on defense.
Overland (0-4) and Hinkley (0-3) both lost via shutouts to Arvada West and Timnath, respectively.
Courtney Oakes is Aurora Sentinel Sports Editor. Reach him at sports@sentinelcolorado.com. Twitter/X: @aurorasports. IG: Sentinel Prep Sports
