![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)
On May 1, five seniors, Austin Fisher, Dylan Neach, Paul Smith, Demarrius Stewart, and TeYany Kleiner participated in the first ever sports signing ceremony in Rock Ridge history. There are six total seniors that will be continuing their sport at the next level; however, Darien Ferrell, who will be continuing his football career at Emory & Henry College, couldn’t make it to the signing event. Coaches spoke briefly about each senior, sharing highlights of the year and wishing them well for the next four years. Teammates and family members gathered to watch the signing and joined in for fun photo opportunities.
Staying close to home, senior Austin Fisher committed to Roanoke College to continue his football career at a higher level. Fisher started football when he was younger, and started to focus more on it during eighth grade, really falling in love with it during high school.
Q: What drove you to pick football?
A: All my friends told me to do it in eighth grade, and I listened to them. I got to play with a lot of them [and] play against a lot of them. Over the years I wanted to stick with it; it’s helped me grow as a man, as a person, as a teammate.
Q: What is one memory from this past year that is your favorite?
A: I would definitely say senior night, or our last game of the season. I just think it was great, being able to be at home, be with the boys. It was a good day.
Q: What are you looking forward to most next year in college?
A: I’m looking forward to starting off strong and playing football at the next level. Continuing to work hard on the field and in the classroom. Academic wise, finding my interests and finding what I want to major in, and just keep working hard with football and enjoying myself.
Senior Demarrius Stewart will be continuing his football career at Butler Community College. After speaking with the coaches and getting a feel for the environment, Butler is where Stewart chose to spend the next two years. He hopes to join the NFL upon graduation at Butler.
Q: How long have you been playing football?
A: I’ve been playing it all my life, but I really took it seriously this year. That’s the best decision I did in my life, because it paid off and got me a scholarship.
Q: What drove you to play football?
A: It’s really because of my brother. He got drafted into the NFL. Now I feel like anything is possible, you just have to be dedicated to it and focus.
Q: What are you looking forward to most next year?
A: Really balling out. I’m really just looking forward to playing, because I like it. I like the intensity and the competitiveness, that’s just all that I’m about. I’m trying to go All-American, that’s what I’m going to strive for.
