Auburn High School football has been dominant in the regular season the past two years. Outside of Kennedy Catholic, the Trojans have the most wins over the last two years in the NPSL (15). The next closest is Federal Way and Auburn Riverside, both with 11 wins.
Pair that with a couple of playoff appearances, and the Trojans are one of the more successful programs in recent memory in the NPSL. This year is shaping to be one of the most strenuous schedules that Auburn will face in a long time.
As a 4A school, head coach Aaron Chantler said the Trojans will have their hands full: “As a coach it is kind of reinvigorating a little bit to know this is a bit of a curveball for us than what we have seen before.”
One atmosphere that Chantler is looking forward to is the Stadium Bowl. Chantler played his football games there when he was in high school. But for many of the Trojan players, it will be a new experience for them.
“That is a bucket list item… That’ll be a cool experience for them,” he said.
Auburn will have the same offensive identity, but with a couple of players poised to break out this year. Baylen Erdmann is back at full strength at quarterback, and Christian Titialli at wide receiver paired with running back RJ Conlan are looking to carry the fast-paced offense.
“It is the receiving corps that we are pretty exited for. Hopefully they have a big year,” Chantler said.
Defensively, the Trojans ask a lot from their players. With the offense running at such a quick tempo, some drives are over just as quick as they start, and the defense has to head back out on the field. This year, the defense is shaping up to be a standout unit, especially on the defensive line anchored by Lijah Patelo.
“They don’t get a lot of the eye popping stats, because that is not their role… I’m excited to see what that group can do,” the coach said.
In the spring, Auburn rekindled an old rivalry with Kentwood, a matchup that has decided countless district titles in the lengthy history of the two programs. These two sides meet week 7 and it will be an all-important matchup for both sides to see where their seasons are. Getting Kentwood back on the schedule is huge. About 15-20 years ago, Auburn vs. Kentwood was must-see Friday nights. Getting that one back is a big one for the community, Chantler said.
Speaking of lengthy history, the 116th meeting for the Taylor Trophy is scheduled for week one of this season is between the Trojans and Kent-Meridian. The matchup between these two schools is the third longest rivalry in America and pretty heavily contested. The all-time record between these schools is 58-50-6 with the Trojans having the 8-game advantage.
But in recent history, Auburn has dominated. Since the turn of the century, Kent-Meridian has won just twice — 2014 and 2015. The Trophy will be in attendance on Sept. 6 at French Field. Outside of it being the first game, Chantler is looking forward to something to play for in the opener.
“It’s so cool to be a part of something like this… It is a great way to start the season. Craziness always happens in rivalry games and in week one. I’m sure it’ll be great. It’ll be a lot of stuff that people aren’t prepared for. It’ll be great,” Chantler said a bit sarcastically.
The Royals and Trojans will go to battle at French Field with kickoff in the early window at 4 p.m.
An Auburn player works a pursuit angle during a practice drill.
