AURORA | The last time Cherokee Trail linemen won the Hog Wars title, it turned out to be a good omen for their season.

That was in 2013, when the Cougars captured the crown of the annual strength and teamwork competition hosted by Rangeview and then went on to make it all the way to the semifinals of the Class 5A state playoffs before a loss to Christian McCaffrey and Valor Christian.

Whether that kind of scenario could happen again is yet to be seen, but regardless of the outcoming of the upcoming season, Cherokee Trail has bragging right among Aurora area lineman as Hog Wars champions.

The Cougars staved off a determined effort by host Rangeview — which sought its first title in the event since 2018 and 12th all-time — and prevailed after results were tabulated from a series of events contested in brutal summer heat.

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The team of seniors Brandon Rodriguez, Carter Ratliffe, Hadey Naser and Jonah Moe plus juniors Kanoa Gillespie, Ethan Eshetu and Ryan Ayers brought to an end a series of close calls for Cherokee Trail in recent years, including a loss on the final event to Pomona last season.

The Cougars won the championship, but walked away empty-handed as Eaglecrest — the event champion in 2024 — has not returned the trophy despite repeated requests from Rangeview head coach Chris Lopez.

Courtney Oakes is Aurora Sentinel Sports Editor. Reach him at [email protected]. Twitter/X: @aurorasports. IG: Sentinel Prep Sports

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