East Aurora Reclaimed Thunder Bucket Trophy
The East Aurora football team defeated Larkin 50-12 to improve to a 3-2 record this season.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Football
East Aurora dominated their matchup against Larkin on Friday night with a 50-12 victory. The win allowed East Aurora to reclaim the Thunder Bucket Trophy as they improved their season record to 3-2.
Why it matters
The win helps East Aurora build momentum as they look to improve their playoff positioning for the remainder of the season. For Larkin, the loss drops their record to 0-5 as they search for their first victory of the year.
Jeremiah Jackson carried the ball 15 times for 110 yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Joseph Becker threw for 211 yards on 8 of 14 passing. Daivon Douglas led the team with 229 all-purpose yards.
The players
Jeremiah Jackson
He is a key offensive contributor for the East Aurora football team.
Daivon Douglas
He is an all-purpose standout player for East Aurora who recorded 229 yards in the game.
Joseph Becker
He is the starting quarterback for East Aurora who threw three touchdown passes.
The details
East Aurora surged late in the first half, scoring three times in the final 42 seconds to break the game open. The team utilized two successful onside kicks to manage possession for their small roster and maintained pressure throughout the contest.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: The game was played at Ellsworth Hill Stadium.
Season Trajectory
Reclaiming the Thunder Bucket Trophy serves as a significant boost for East Aurora as they attempt to climb the standings. The win positions them favorably for late-season playoff contention while Larkin faces a difficult path to recovery following an 0-5 start.
East Aurora improved their season record to 3-2, keeping them competitive in the playoff hunt. Larkin falls to 0-5 and must address defensive lapses that allowed for three quick touchdowns in less than a minute of game time.
The takeaway
Maintaining possession through high-risk plays like onside kicks can effectively compensate for a smaller roster size in high school football. Strategic execution in the final minute of a half often provides the decisive edge in regional rivalries.
Further reading
For more updates on regional games, visit our Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Tribune.
