![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.jpg)
Huskies Put Out Phoenix Fire at Pink Out Game
Rock Ridge’s annual pink out football game in support of breast cancer awareness month was held on Oct. 15 as the Phoenix faced off against the Tuscarora Huskies. The game ended with a Phoenix loss of 55-6.
![The Phoenix prepare to face the Huskies in a new play. “[We could improve by] focusing on trying to get people healthy, running the ball, and getting people work at different positions just in case [of] injuries,” Qadri said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/DSC_0070-900x630.jpg)
The Phoenix prepare to face the Huskies in a new play. “[We could improve by] focusing on trying to get people healthy, running the ball, and getting people work at different positions just in case [of] injuries,” Qadri said.
October 21, 2022
Following an exciting win against the Parkview Patriots on Oct. 7, the Rock Ridge Phoenix were fired up to battle the Tuscarora Huskies at their annual pink out game on Oct. 15. Although the energy from the charitable cause brightened the stands, the Phoenix ultimately lost with a score of 55-6.
After the initial introduction of both teams, the Phoenix choir arrived with some special guests: the Rosa Lee Elementary school choir. Led by Rock Ridge’s Jordan Markwood and Rosa Lee’s John Russell, both groups joined as one to sing the national anthem and the school’s alma mater. Led by senior Parv Gosai and junior Bella Pilgreen, the marching band performed alongside the color guard during halftime with a show based on the theme, “History Has Its Eyes On You.” Senior Casie Peng plays the piano for this marching band season, and has been a part of the band for 3 years. “The entire theme of the show is how you’re constantly being watched throughout history,” senior Casie Peng said. “It’s mostly about history [itself] and how [it] works. There are different songs [that we performed] and they’re all history-themed.” This installment featured pieces such as “History Has Its Eyes On You” by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Christopher Jackson, “Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre, “Paint It Black” by the Rolling Stones, and a few pieces written by band director Justin Ratcliff and Kent Baker.
Over the course of the game, the Huskies maintained a steady stream of points, and, despite great effort from the Phoenix defense, won the game 55-6. Overall, the Phoenix scored one touchdown in the fourth quarter, courtesy of junior Tyler Valdov (28), when he ran for the end zone following a hand off from senior Basit Qadri (11). “It was my first touchdown this season, but especially being on offense and being able to run down the field as offense [to score],” junior Tyler Valdov (28) said. “I’m not usually starting running back, so that’s why that was my first score of the season, it was pretty awesome.” In spite of this tough game, the Phoenix plan to improve themselves in various ways during their after-school practices.
Senior players Nathaniel Bodman (22) and Aniketh Dasika (77), a linebacker and center respectively, are looking to make a return for the homecoming game after receiving injuries earlier in the season. The Phoenix are also hopeful to see Myles Harris (13) and Kamaal Reel (5) , another pair of seniors, return in the next couple weeks. “I’d say [I’m looking forward to] finishing the rest of the season, I love playing football, so not being injured is really great,” Bodman said. “I’m coming out to really hit someone, score for sure and win this game.”
The Phoenix will play again for their homecoming game on Oct. 21 against Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School.
![On Monday, Dec. 16, the Rock Ridge Phoenix boys varsity basketball team faced the Unity Reed Lions in a close-knit battle, where the Phoenix prevailed 59-56.
The first quarter started slow, with both teams focusing on strong defense. Even with sophomore Filippo Gomes leading the first with two three-pointers, the Phoenix were still down three at the end of the quarter, leaving a 15-12 lead for the Lions.
The Phoenix amped up their offense considerably for the rest of the game. During the second quarter, the Phoenix scored 20 points, allowing them to grow the point gap between them and the Lions’ score, finishing the quarter 32-23 Phoenix. The third quarter was neck-and-neck as the Lions found footing again, but the Phoenix persisted and gained 14 points, ending the third quarter with a nerve-wracking 46-45 Phoenix lead. “I was a little nervous, I’m not gonna lie,” senior Akash Kulkarni said. “But just staying confident, making good passes, and listening to [Coach] Geyer [got us through].” Both teams fought tooth-and-nail for the fourth quarter, utilizing fouls, free throws, and timeouts to their advantage, but in the end, it was up to Phoenix defense to ensure their win. Ultimately, the Phoenix triumphed, with a winning score of 59-56.
After the game, the Phoenix basketball team awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) belt to the player who worked diligently behind the scenes senior William Beck. They awarded him MVP for his team leadership and playmaking throughout the game. “It feels good, but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates,” Beck said.
✏️ and 📷 by Nidhi Manchala and Lucian Tiller](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)