![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)
The cold, ominous air of Friday the 13 filled the stadium as the Phoenix prepared to fight the eerie battle.
On Oct. 13, the Phoenix faced the Tuscarora Huskies for the annual pink-out football game. As the game quickly got going, the Huskies scored their first touchdown in the last 5 minutes of the first quarter. Soon after, the Phoenix gained possession from a fumble by the Huskies toward the end of the first quarter.
As the second quarter started, the Phoenix continued to fight as the Huskies overtook them. Toward the last few minutes of the quarter, senior Steven Boushra, safety and wide receiver for the Phoenix, intercepted the ball from the Huskies. His strong play did not result in getting some points on the board for the Phoenix, though, and the second quarter ended with Huskies up 31-0. Senior linebacker, running back, and team captain Austin Fisher plays closely with Boushra. “[Boushra’s] energy is something super positive that contributes to the team including myself,” Fisher said. “Seeing him on the field with me is always great and we are always having fun together.”
The Phoenix quarterback, sophomore Xavier Smith, scrambled to avoid sacks from the defense throughout the whole game. One of the captains, junior linebacker Shamar Ferrell, made multiple attempts to assist Smith. “I try to not put my head down when we lose because if I [do, it’s] going [to] make them feel bad about themselves after one play,” Ferrell said. “I gotta try to keep my head up and let them know I [am] leading them to do better in the game.”
As the Huskies maintained the lead throughout the third and most of the fourth quarter, Smith scored a touchdown during the last 6 minutes of the game for the Phoenix. Despite his accomplishment, Smith humbly wished for a better result overall. “[The game] wasn’t that good, [it wasn’t] a crazy game for me,” Smith said. “As a team, we could’ve done better.” The final score of the spine-chilling Friday was 45-6 with the Huskies beating the Phoenix.
The last home game of the season will be played on Nov. 3.
