![Standing center stage, senior Ananya Akula conducts the Phoenix Chorale. “[Conducting and teaching] is really fun,” Akula said. “Music education is what I want to do.” On the day of the choir assessment, Akula found out that she received the President’s Music Scholarship – a full ride to the University of Miami Frost School of Music.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ananya-1200x800.jpg)
![With the energy and effort the Bolts were bringing to the game, the Phoenix had to step up and match them to make it through their first game of the season. Many of the girls on the team, including freshman Nazly Rostom, have been playing soccer since their childhood and have grown a love for the sport as a result. “It was fun to see how we actually played in a [real] game,” Rostom said. “Even though the outcome was not what we were hoping for, I’m still happy we got to play together.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_0154-1200x800.jpg)
![Held up by a group of cheerleaders, flyer sophomore Leyu Yonas poses as part of a stunt, also supported by flyer junior Shayne Mitchell behind her. (Left) Prior to the pink out football game on Oct. 13, the athletes practiced in the aux gym from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Right) On Oct. 19, the cheerleaders competed in their District Championships at Woodgrove High School. “We definitely put all our effort on the mat [at Districts], and it showed,” Mitchell said. Left: Photo by Nadia Shirr. Right: Photo by Steve Prakope via Victor O’Neill Studios.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/feature-image-1200x823.png)
![Sophomore Xavier Smith (6), the Phoenix quarterback, runs the ball as his teammates help hold up the defense. “My [offensive] line collapses, so I just [have to run], and its a good way to get first downs because [Tuscarora’s] defense was really good,” Smith said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5383-1200x897.jpg)
![As the referee throws the ball up for the tip-off, freshman Simone Diby leaps towards the ball to get it in Phoenix possession. Diby is a new member of the Phoenix girls basketball team, and despite it being a change, she finds it enjoyable. “It’s definitely a different experience if you’ve never played on a team, [but] I think it’s still fun.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_0057-1200x662.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.
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.
![Held up by a group of cheerleaders, flyer sophomore Leyu Yonas poses as part of a stunt, also supported by flyer junior Shayne Mitchell behind her. (Left) Prior to the pink out football game on Oct. 13, the athletes practiced in the aux gym from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Right) On Oct. 19, the cheerleaders competed in their District Championships at Woodgrove High School. “We definitely put all our effort on the mat [at Districts], and it showed,” Mitchell said. Left: Photo by Nadia Shirr. Right: Photo by Steve Prakope via Victor O’Neill Studios.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/feature-image-600x411.png)
![Sophomore Xavier Smith (6), the Phoenix quarterback, runs the ball as his teammates help hold up the defense. “My [offensive] line collapses, so I just [have to run], and its a good way to get first downs because [Tuscarora’s] defense was really good,” Smith said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_5383-600x449.jpg)
![Freshman Daniela Rojas attempts to steal the ball from the opponent. “This game was kind of an off day, but it happens. [We’ve] definitely had a lot of improvement since our first game.”](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DSC_5600-600x400.jpg)
![Throughout the season, senior Dillon Brooks (left) and junior Aiden Patel (right) have been regularly practicing to improve their skills. The rest of the golf team has been doing the same. “Nine times out of ten, [practice] is with all of [the golf team] collectively, “ Brooks said. “And then, some people might go out to the course, and some people might stay back. Its dependent on what our coach has for us to do that day.” This year, golf is coached by physical education teacher Jason Geyer, along with Mark Sheptock, who volunteers to coach the team.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Screen-Shot-2023-09-28-at-1.50.38-PM-600x407.png)
