![“[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)
Super Bowl LIX, marking the culmination of 32 weeks of NFL games, will take place on Feb. 9. The playoffs began on Jan. 18, with 14 of 32 teams competing for the chance to advance.
Battling for a spot in the Super Bowl are the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football Conference (NFC) and the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs in the American Football Conference (AFC). The NFC and AFC championship games will occur on Sunday.
Harker Aquila interviewed four members of the community prior to the NFC and AFC championship games. Watch the video to hear their perspectives.
Which team were you rooting for this season?
Sahil Varma (12): My favorite team’s the Packers. I’ve been a fan of them since I was super young. Towards the middle of the year, the Packers went on a seven game win streak, and that was fun for me. They beat the Niners, and there’s a lot of Niners fans around me, so I got to like trash talk all of them.
Nirav Adavikolanu (10): Tennessee Titans, it’s a long story, none of which really makes any sense. At least we have the number one draft pick, though, so hopefully that’ll get better.
Matthew Harley: What I think of most for this year and my Ravens is just how well Lamar Jackson the quarterback has done. Actually, I think Josh Allen might deserve the MVP because he doesn’t have as big of a support in cast. Lamar Jackson has an incredible running back, Derrick Henry to go with him. But just watching him make some of the plays that he does. There’s a particular play that I remember that the broadcasters were just in awe. It’s like, ‘oh yeah, he just won the MVP with that play.’ Just scrambling all over the place, then running toward the end zone and then finally putting it up into the air to the receiver.
Kimaya Mehta (11): I went to the 49ers game against the Cowboys, which is one of the few games we actually won. I went with my dad, so that was pretty fun to experience and watch.
What’s your prediction for the Commanders v. Eagles game?
Nirav: The Eagles just because, Jayden Daniels is still a rookie even though he’s not playing like it. I think eventually the lack of experience is going to catch up to him, especially considering the amount of experience that the Eagles have and just how talented of a roster they have.
Dr. Harley: Of course, just with their addition of Saquon Barkley, they haven’t had to rely on Jalen Hurts, and that’s helped them a lot. Their defense is still solid, but I think that if you can stop or slow down Saquon Barkley, I think the Eagles are beatable. The Commanders might even upset them like they did their last couple of wins.
Kimaya: I’m also rooting for the Commanders. Jayden Daniels has had a really good rookie season. And, it’ll be really historic and amazing if he can pull off winning the Super Bowl as a rookie.
Sahil: I think the Eagles are going to win that just mainly because they’ve played the other teams. They’ve played each other a lot before, and this time it’s in like a snowy environment, which the Eagles are a lot more acclimatized to.
What’s your prediction for the Bills v. Chiefs game?
Kimaya: I am personally rooting for the Bills because I am a big Chiefs hater. I just, I want the underdog story for both matches, so I just really want the Bills to win. I feel like they have a strong team, and I think they can pull off the upset.
Sahil: So for the Chiefs-Bills game, I think it’ll be a good game. Obviously two of the best quarterbacks in the league, but I still think the Chiefs are going to win because they’re at home, and they just have a lot more experience in these situations.
Nirav: I think the Chiefs are going to win their game. Bills offense has stepped up. I think their offense needs to be really good, considering how their defense — it has to contain Patrick Mahomes. It doesn’t have to fully shut them down because I think the Chiefs, this year, differently, is that their defense is stronger. So having the ability to overcome that defense is really crucial for the Bills. If Josh Allen can get going, then there’s no saying what’s going to happen.
Dr. Harley: I do think it’s the Bills. They are almost certainly the favorite. But Josh Allen just seems like it can’t be denied. He’s just playing at such a high level that I think the Bills probably have it.
Which team do you think will win the Super Bowl?
Sahil: If it’s Chiefs-Eagles, which I think that’s my prediction, then I think the Chiefs are going to win that. They’ve been there done that, and it’s just a really good team.
Nirav: I’m saying Chiefs because usually a bad idea to bet against them. I think the Eagles, they’re going to get to the Super Bowl, but I don’t think they’re going to win it. I’ve just learned from experience it’s a bad idea to bet against the Chiefs. So it’ll probably be a close game, but I think even with the talented roster, the Chiefs are still going to find a way to win.
Dr. Harley: Well, despite the Ravens losing to the Bills, I still think the Ravens are going to win it all somehow. Lamar Jackson’s that good — that he’ll still throw for five touchdowns
Why do you enjoy watching football?
Kimaya: I’ve always been involved in many different sports, and football was just something that I never played, but I loved watching it with my dad. It’s a really exciting game to watch. There’s always something happening. And for me, I obviously love the 49ers, but I’m fine to watch any game, and it’s just something nice to do with my dad on Sunday evenings and Thursday evenings.
Sahil: I started watching football when I was a little kid. My brother really liked it, and I used to play flag football, so I guess it’s always just been kind of a spot of interest for me, and it’s kind of just an emotional connection for me and makes the school year go by fast. It’s something to look forward to every weekend, and it’s just a really good way to bond with people and meet new people and just a good community to be a part of.
Bonus Question: Dr. Harley, what is that belt you’re holding?
Dr. Harley: So this is the championship belt for the Harker fantasy football league. So Ms. Huang had this last year. She inscribed it. It’ll get my name soon. But I definitely earned this belt. Took it away from Ms. Huang and kept the other teachers that play from having it this year as well.
