![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Football teams take on Yerba Buena for first game of the season
Johnathan Dai
Johnathan Keller (12) avoids being tackled by Yerba Buena defense. The Eagles lost 21-38.
The junior varsity and varsity football teams played against Yerba Buena High School this Friday on Davis Field for their first game of the season with both teams losing 6-20 and 21-38 respectively.
The junior varsity game started at 4 pm. Despite losing the game, left tackle player Matthew Lee (10) thought that the team played vigorously.
“I think the game went well, this is the first time we’ve had a junior varsity team in a very long time,” Matthew said. “We weren’t expected to do well as we did; we held them to 20 and we scored 6 ourselves.”
Rishi Chopra (10), who plays guard, also thought that the junior varsity team played well, but had room for improvement.
“I think we actually played really well considering this was a first for all of us, whether it was our first starting game or first time playing in a high school football game,” Rishi said. “We already have a short roster, there just 13 of us right now, and the other team had 52 so they were able to switch in really easily so they didn’t tire out; we should improve on our stamina.”
After the junior varsity team finished playing, the varsity teams of Harker and Yerba Buena took the field. The varsity team lost 21-18, despite being up 14-0 during the first half.
Rishabh Nijhawan (11), who plays on the offensive line, thought that too many mistakes were made.
“I don’t think we played well at all. Too many mental errors mainly. A lot of penalties that were very stupid,” Rishabh said. “Our heads weren’t in the game in the second half and we dropped a huge lead and that was pretty much the key to our loss.”
However, William Park (11), who plays linebacker and running back, thought that the varsity team played strong.
“I think that we played really well, i think it was just that it was the first game and we just had a lot of football mistakes,” William said. “We’re a really good team and I believe that we will go into the next game with a new mentality and focus on all the mistakes we made and then refer to those on this week’s practice.”
Kailee Gifford (11) also thought that the team played up to par with a supportive crowd at their backs.
“I thought that they played really well and that they started off really strong in the first quarter and that we looked a lot better than last year and previous years,” Kailee said. “The crowd was really good, obviously there was the student cheering section, and i think that was really great and pumped all the players up and made the atmosphere a lot more energetic and fun.”
The stands were packed last night with supporters as the football teams played.
“[The energy of the crowd] was super good, we were all really loud and there were so many people there wearing all white to support the team and we had a really great vibe going on,” Makenzie Tomihiro (10) said. “I think we really helped boost their spirits.”
Quarterback Nate Kelly (10) also felt the effect of the crowd as he played on the field.
““The crowd was pretty electrifying, I hope to get a crowd like that every home game and that would be nice; the crowd was there at all times just cheering us on,” Nate said. “Them being behind us is always a help to the teammates.”
The Varsity team prepares to play against Del Mar High School this upcoming week.
Justin Su (11) is the Aquila sports columnist. He has been a part of the journalism program since his freshman year. He hopes to bring his passion for...