![“[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 concluded their season with a 58-0 victory on senior night over Trinity Christian on Davis Field on Nov. 1.
Before the game, varsity football and varsity cheerleading held a combined senior night ceremony. Head football coach Doug Cousta introduced seniors Rayan Arya, Shivraj Panja, Oli Roman and Vedant Yadav, while head cheer coach Chantelle Rodriguez introduced senior Kashish Priyam. Families honored the athletes with posters and flowers as the coaches shared memories about each senior.
“We are truly going to miss Kash,” Rodriguez said. “My advice for the team is to enjoy every moment. Even when you’re having a tiring day, have lots of homework and stunts that aren’t hitting, just enjoy it because it will pass by super fast.”
Trinity won the coin toss and deferred to take the ball in the second quarter. Junior cheerleading team member Charlotte Ludlow sang the national anthem before the game.
The Eagles received the kickoff to begin the first quarter, and sophomore running back Pedro Castro III scored the first touchdown within two minutes, putting Harker in the lead 8-0. A failed fourth down attempt gave the Eagles’ possession of the ball, allowing wide receiver Vedant to catch quarterback Rayan’s pass and score the second touchdown.
Pedro and Rayan scored additional touchdowns in the quarter as Harker continued to prevent Trinity from carrying the ball ten yards. Both two-point conversions were successful, bringing the score to 28-0 to end the first quarter.
With a strong defense, the Eagles put Trinity’s offense in a stalemate, promptly stopping the Warriors’ first downs. Pedro burst through Trinity’s defense to score another touchdown, bringing the score to 34-0 midway through the second quarter. Despite the Warriors’ attempts to tackle him, Rayan carried the ball to the endzone and scored his second touchdown. Another conversion by Pedro closed the first half with the Eagles dominating 42-0.
During halftime, the varsity cheerleading team performed stunts and lifts to a medley of songs, including Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls).” Captain Kashish reflected on her leadership role on the varsity cheerleading team after being a member for the past four years.
“Being on the football field and performing in the stands has been a big part of my high school experience,” Kashish said. “I have very vivid memories of senior night when I was a frosh, so knowing that there are underclassmen who look up to me now feels like a big responsibility. I really hope that I’m able to lead them in the same way that the people before me led.”
Due to the Eagles’ 42-point lead, the teams played the third and fourth quarters with a running clock. Trinity Christian received the kickoff and started on offense, but Harker’s formidable defense prevented them from gaining a first down, resulting in a turnover to the Eagles. The Eagles’ offensive line propelled Rayan into the endzone for a touchdown, sneaking past the defense for a conversion to end the third quarter 50-0.
Halfway into the fourth quarter, Jackson ran the ball across 30 yards for an Eagles’ touchdown. Frosh Ricardo Sanchez caught the ball off the snap and gained a two-point conversion. Preventing the Warriors from nearing their endzone in the last stretch of the game, the Eagles punctuated their win 58-0.
Vedant, who has played on the team since his freshman year, spoke to the seniors’ triumph during their final game and encouraged his underclassmen teammates.
“I feel amazing,” Vedant said. “It’s been four years and I don’t think we’ve ever won senior night. To my underclassmen, I know they’re all going to be amazing one day; they just have to show up to practice and keep working hard.”
The Eagles finished third this season in the Pacific Coast (8 Man) League with an overall record of 5-3.
