The glow of neon colors filled the stands, and cheers echoed all around. The Wildcats defeated Elmwood Park and were ready to shine on the Homecoming red carpet.

The Wildcats secured a 61–6 win against Elmwood Park on Oct. 3, 2025, at Memorial Field. After losing to South Elgin the previous week, the Wildcats fought hard and played strong throughout all four quarters, ending the night full of pride.

Before the game began, the Wildcats finished their warmups and wished each other good luck. They all gathered and stood side by side as the national anthem rang through the stadium.

Once the game started, the wildcats were quick to set the tone. After senior Adriano Rivera scored two touchdowns and earned a two point conversion, the Wildcats lined up at the 10-yard line hoping to score again.

“I felt amazing and i wanted to thank all the o-linemen for opening paths for me to score the touchdowns and also to thank coach Zufante for being with me on my ups and downs,” Rivera said.

After the touchdowns, the Wildcats’ field-goal unit tried to block the Tigers from reaching the kicker but were unable to add more points.

Sophomore Joel Montgomery escaped a tackle and fell to the ground while securing the catch.

Senior Nery Banuelos Cabral pushed for as many yards as he could with defenders right behind him.

After a tackle by the Tigers, sophomore Lucas Juarez was quick to regain possession.

The lights dimmed as the cheer team opened the halftime show, sending flyers into the air and performing synchronized tumbling passes.

Shiny brass and sparkling silver instruments covered the field – every step and turn measured with purpose, colorful flags sweeping through the air. The marching band delivered a spectacular show that embodied Wildcat pride and Homecoming spirit.

The student section glowed under the dim lights, faces painted and homemade signs raised high as seniors enjoyed their last Homecoming football game.

“I enjoy most how the whole school comes together and cheers on bringing in a lot of school spirit, and will miss the most getting ready for the themes,” senior Valeria Ballines said

With a slight breeze and the cheers of the crowd, the Wildcats took the field for the second half with renewed confidence. As they prepared for another touchdown, they lined up at the 20-yard line.

Sophomore Donovan Hamilton was tackled by Tigers’ No. 63, sophomore Noah Gillett, yet managed to keep possession of the ball.

The Tigers tackled senior Dirk Ulbrich as he fought to get a first down in the fourth quarter.

Junior quarterback Lucas Wheat stepped in as backup since starter Carter Naranjo was unable to play.

“I felt a little nervous but I knew I had to keep it calm if we wanted to win,” Wheat said.

Coach Adam Chavez praised his strong performance.

“Lucas, our backup quarterback came in, did really well and performed just like Carter would if he was in,” Chavez said.

With 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats lined up at midfield to shake hands with the Tigers.

With cheers and smiles, the Wildcats gathered around Coach Chavez as he reflected on the positives and areas for improvement after last week’s game against South Elgin.

“[We’re working on our fundamentals, making sure that you know, we’re blocking the right guy, we’re tackling the right guy. You know, just really working on fundamentals,” Chavez said.

Chavez also shared his excitement about the Homecoming win.

“I’m excited. It’s Homecoming. I’m excited we got the win. I’m excited that everybody got into play that was out here. So I’m excited for the whole team, for the whole school, for the whole program,” Chavez  said.