Every year, the stretch of Missouri Highway 109 turns into a tradition more than just a road connecting Eureka and Wildwood. It becomes an invisible rivalry line between two big schools, the Eureka Wildcats and the Lafayette Lancers. What started as a simple conference matchup has turned into one of the most anticipated games in the St. Louis area, The Battle of 109.
For years this competition between two schools has made note of the fact that every game could end differently, as Eureka and Lafayette football teams both have many years of winning records.
Eureka dominated much of early 2020, but Lafayette flipped that in 2022 with a comeback 20-13 win, reigniting the rivalry. In 2024, the Wildcats fought back and handed the Lancers their first loss of the season in a 30-15 victory that showcased Eureka’s power behind Mizzou commit Jack Lange
and running back Trevor Codak. This year Lafayette took the trophy back with a win of 35-6.
For football coaches, it’s an important week building up to the big game. Tyler Wasson, Eureka assistant football coach, reflects on the day of the game.
“It’s a very intense rivalry because the kids, coaches, and entire communities know each other and it’s one that you live with for 365 days whether you win or lose,” Wasson said.
The rivalry has brought packed stands, roaring student sections, and bragging rights that last all season. For both communities, The Battle of 109 isn’t just a game, it’s an event including families, alumni and students filling the stands with pride.
The impact on the team is big during the week leading up to the game. Craig Ringe, 12, reflects back on the feeling.
“Every year a lot of people go to the game and it’s a lot more pressure, so overall it’s a pretty big moment for the team and the practices are intense,” Ringe said.
On Sept. 10, Varsity softball beat Lafayette in a regular season game 8-7 on, and again in a come from behind win in late innings during the district championship game, winning 6-5 on Oct. 20. The Wildcats defeated Lafayette to claim the district champi-
onship, marking the first district title in 10 years.
Throughout the season, the team faced tough competition but their resilience and team work ultimately led them to success.
“Everybody was so excited because it was a super big game, especially because the second game was the championship, so it was a very good moment for the team,” Savanna Wylie (12) said.
Then, the competition moves to the mats for the boys and girls wrestling duel on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at our home gym.
The winter rivalry continues with girls swimming and diving, with The Battle of 109 not scheduled yet. Finally, hockey plays Lafayette on Thursday, Jan. 1 at 7:10 pm at the Maryville University Hockey Center.
As the winter season approaches, excitement continues to build among students, athletes and fans from both schools. No matter which team comes out on top, one thing is certain: the energy, passion and spirit of the Battle of 109 will continue to bring Eureka and Lafayette together in a celebration of hard work.
With winter sports now in full swing, the stage is set for another intense set of games. The action begins with varsity girls and boys basketball on Thursday, Dec. 18 at Lafayette High School, with girls starting at 5:30 pm and boys starting at 7 pm. Varsity teams swept the evening. Varsity girls pulled out a 46-35 win. Down by 20 points at halftime, Varsity boys went on a 22-2 run to secure the win, 56-53, bringing the Battle of 109 trophy back to EHS.
