UPDATE: In a stunning season opener, Antonio Higgins stepped up as a wide receiver for West Aurora, showcasing his talents amidst a challenging defeat against Hinsdale Central on August 29, 2025. The Blackhawks fell 56-7, but Higgins’ performance brought a glimmer of hope to a team grappling with a tough start.
Higgins, a senior at 6-foot-1 and 171 pounds, made the pivotal switch from defensive back to wide receiver this summer, seizing the opportunity to contribute more significantly to his team. “I felt like as a senior I should take responsibility and help lead my team,” Higgins stated, embodying his mantra to “keep us up.” His efforts were evident as he caught three passes for an impressive 112 yards in the game.
Despite Higgins’ standout performance, the Blackhawks struggled against a dominant Hinsdale Central team. Senior quarterback Riley Contreras led the Red Devils with a staggering 242 yards and four touchdown passes, alongside 78 rushing yards. West Aurora coach Nate Eimer acknowledged the challenges, noting, “They controlled the line of scrimmage. If you can’t run the ball, and they do, it’s tough.”
The game was particularly difficult for West Aurora, who aimed to bounce back from a successful 10-1 season last year. Coach Eimer emphasized the need for improvement, stating, “We never got this feeling until the last game last year. We probably should have fixed some things during the season that we didn’t.”
Junior offensive lineman Joshua Nolan suffered an injury early in the game, requiring an ambulance for transport to a local hospital. Eimer confirmed he would check on Nolan’s condition following the game, highlighting the urgency of player safety amid the competition.
Quarterback Mason Atkins faced difficulties, completing just 11 of 30 passes for 174 yards and a single touchdown. However, his connection with Higgins was a silver lining. “He’s worked really hard making the switch,” Atkins noted, praising Higgins for his dedication and playmaking ability.
Higgins’ crucial moment came when he executed a remarkable 75-yard catch-and-run, which was ultimately ruled out of bounds, denying him his first career touchdown. “I thought I made it into the end zone,” Higgins recalled, demonstrating both frustration and determination.
As West Aurora (0-1) looks ahead to their next matchup against Glenbard East (1-0), Eimer remains optimistic. “Tonight stinks,” he said, “but in terms of our goals, it doesn’t have a lot of effect on that. We can still win the conference title.”
With their season just beginning, all eyes will be on West Aurora to see how they adjust and recover in the upcoming weeks. The urgency to improve is palpable, and fans are eager to see if Higgins can continue to rise as a key player for the Blackhawks.
