![“[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)
Varsity football beats Sonoma Valley in first playoff game
Nate Kelly (12) looks to throw the ball to a teammate. The team scored a total of six touchdowns during this game.
November 13, 2017
Varsity football crushed the Sonoma Valley Dragons 56 – 0 in the team’s first playoff game of the season Saturday night at home. This was the first time Harker has had the privilege of hosting a playoff game. They continue their winning streak to improve their record to a historic 10 – 0.
The Eagles opted to receive the ball after the coin toss at the beginning of the match. On just their second play of the game, wide receiver Jared Anderson (11) ran 56 yards caught a pass from quarterback Nate Kelly (12) to score Harker’s first of eight touchdowns. Kicker Dominic Cea (12) kicked an extra point after the touchdown.
Harker wide receiver Marcus Tymous (11) ran the ball into the Dragon’s end zone in the middle of the first quarter for a touchdown with a valid extra point by Dominic.
Sonoma Valley’s punt was deflected leading to a first down for the Eagles. Harker running back Aaron Smith (11) scored a subsequent touchdown, and after a sack by wide receiver Angel Cervantes (12), Jared scored his second touchdown of the match by running an astonishing 81 yards during a punt return. Dominic kicked valid extra points after every touchdown. The score stood at 28 – 0 by the end of the first quarter with the Eagles boasting a strong lead over Sonoma Valley.
Nate believes the team’s success in the early quarters of the game can be attributed to the team’s extensive practices prior to the game.
“We executed on both sides of the ball, on offense, defense and special teams,” Nate said. “I really believe that our accomplishments are a direct result of our preparation which has allowed us to dominate other teams throughout the season.”
The Eagles continued their scoring streak into the second quarter. Marcus secured two back to back touchdowns and Jared scored his second touchdown of the night. Dominic extended Harker’s advantage with extra points after every touchdown. He kicked eight through the course of the night.
Kicker Dominic Cea (12) kicks the ball for an extra point conversion after a touchdown. The team continued their historic season by winning their first playoff game.
The Eagles enjoyed a 49 point lead over Sonoma Valley by halftime and initiated the “continuous clock” mercy rule which runs the clock after plays where the clock would normally stop such as after an incomplete pass, reducing the game time considerably in the third and fourth quarters of the match.
Harker varsity cheerleaders performed a routine for the audience during the halftime intermission. Bobby Schick (12), Neil Ramaswamy (11) and upper school technician Alejandro Osorio played the tenor saxophone, drums and baritone saxophone, respectively, throughout the game. The sophomore class organized a fundraiser for their class during the game as well and sold beverages and candy and provided face paint.
The third and fourth quarters proceeded slowly compared to the initial quarters. Eagle wide receiver Mitchell Kole (12) picked off Sonoma Valley’s ball and Devin Keller (10) scored his first touchdown in a varsity game. Dominic missed a field goal in the middle of the third quarter.
The final score stood at 56 – 0 with the Eagles advancing to the next round of playoffs strong.
“We’ve got to move to the next round, because for us to get this 56-0 win and dominate the other team on our home turf is huge,” Jared said. “It’s a great moral boost for the team and we’re planning on performing the exact same way next week.”
Their next game will be at 7 p.m. against Piedmont High School at home.
Piedmont beat Lower Lake high school 24 – 19 on Friday, and the Eagles are currently in the third seat of the division four bracket with Piedmont in the sixth seed. First seed St. Bernard’s high school got a pass in the initial games but will face eighth seed San Marin high school next Saturday.
“I’m proud of them, and it has nothing to do with football,” head coach Mike Tirabassi said. “I’m proud of the way they carry themselves, I’m proud of the gentlemen they’ve become and I’m proud of how they look at their responsibilities to represent the community. They take that very seriously and do everything possible to represent Harker well. I tell them that, but I couldn’t be prouder of the men they’ve become.”
