![“[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)
Junior varsity boys soccer overcame Priory 4-3 on Friday in an away game.
To start the first half, the Eagles and Panthers traded possession, with both sides going back and forth through both halves. With 30 minutes left on the clock midfielder Roger Fradin (9) took a long-ranged shot near the halfway line, scoring the first goal of the game.
Following the goal, Priory mounted several offensive plays, driving the ball into Harker territory. However, Harker was able to contain the attacks with clearances from the defensive line. Center back Ian Gerstner (12) intercepted a pass and connected with striker Vinayak Sinha (11), who attempted a shot but was blocked by the Priory goalkeeper. After Priory forced a turnover, the Panthers scored their first goal to tie with Harker 1-1.
Priory maintained their offensive pressure and attempted two shots in a row, but goalkeeper Mikhil Kiran (11) swiftly blocked both. With nine minutes left in the half, defender Teddy Arnaudov (9) stole the ball from a Priory attacker. He connected with Ian G., who passed to Vinayak. Vinayak proceeded to score Harker’s second goal. Despite fouls against the Eagles, Harker remained firm in their defense, ending the half in the lead 2-1.
During halftime, the Eagles went over defensive strategies for the next half, which center back Ian Lee (10) attributed to their later success
“We discussed the ways to effectively contain the two players that seemed definitely at least a cut above the rest,” Ian L. said. “We realized that neither of them could handle being attacked by two defenders at once, as whenever they were in a 2 on 1, they immediately had to pass it out or lose the ball.”
The second half began with the Panthers immediately driving the ball into the Eagles’ half. Harker responded with strong defense, with Ian G. intercepting a pass and advancing upfield. Harker battled to maintain possession and proved successful. Winger Daniel Chen (12) scored a goal off a header after a rebound from striker Luca Barchietto (10)’s missed shot, widening Harker’s lead to 3-1.
Priory quickly countered with a goal but was called offside. [Number 9] regained possession and passed to striker Aaron Ma (10), who netted the Eagles’ fourth goal. Priory continued to fire shots and scored a goal, but goalkeeper Michael Chinkov (9) blocked their other attempts.
The game continued with attacks from both sides, with defenders Steven Jiang (12) and Anchit Nayak (9) clearing attacks to ward off the Panther forwards. In additional time, Priory scored the final goal, but Harker secured 4-3 victory.
Roger commended the players’ refinements in teamwork and technical skills that led to their victory.
“Our team has had a lot of improvements,” Roger said. “Our shapes got better defensively and offensively. We’re running more area balls and showing more courage, vision and empathy, which our coach talked about in practice.”
Throughout the game, the Panthers pushed the Eagles to maintain their stamina throughout the entire game. Head coach Ismail Shafi praised the team’s effort and resilience.
“I am very proud of the lads today,” Shafi said. “They showed that their training has come to fruition and that they’re serious about the game. Our mental training as a group and learning how to keep the intensity high was very beneficial with our guys today. And there’s a sense of togetherness and family that is growing each game we have.”
The team currently holds a record of 2-1 and next plays Menlo School tomorrow in a home game.
![Sophomore Jessie Cao strikes a pose. “That feeling when you get a new skill, when you feel yourself improving on something you struggle with or when you overcome a mental block [is] really rewarding,” Jessie said. “As long as you push yourself and think you're trying your hardest, that's what matters the most.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250918_jessiecaoapex_AshleyM_1-2-727x1200.jpg)
