62 OCTOBER 2018 8/17 49-0 W vs. Coronado 8/24 40-21 W @ Deer Valley 8/31 38-30 W vs. Washington 9/7 55-39 W vs. St. Mary’s 9/14 21-20 W @ Shadow Mountain 9/21 70-14 L @ Saguaro 9/28 vs. Mesquite 10/5 vs. Seton Catholic 10/19 vs. Poston Butte 10/26 @ Marcos de Niza ARCADIA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE **All games start at 7 p.m. By Rachael Bouley Kadin Beler has a big job ahead of him this year. As the new quarterback of the Arcadia Titans football team, he’s leading the way for some much-needed change this season after a dismal past few years. Following a 2-8 season in 2016 and a disappointing 0-10 campaign in 2017, this year marked a fresh start for the Titans. With Beler at the helm on the field and new head coach Kerry Taylor standing on the sidelines, Arcadia has gotten off to an exciting start, opening its season 5-1 and scoring an average of 35 points per game. Now in his junior year, Beler has been preparing for this coveted role for years. He started playing the game at age six with flag football, before beginning tackle as an 8-year-old. Fast forward to today, and he has transitioned well into the leadership role required of quarterbacks. “The offensive play calling has been wide open to where everyone gets involved and has a chance to contribute to the team,” Beler said. “It’s a positive environment. It’s fun to come to practice every day and we are excited for the games.” Beler and his teammates are pushing themselves to compete and achieve better results.. He credits a lot of the squad’s initial success to its coaching and training. “The team has really been coming together under Coach Taylor’s guidance,” he said. “The time and effort that he has been putting in to make us better is unreal. He’s really been doing a great job with the new role he has taken on.” Coach Taylor describes Beler as the leader of the offense and as a playmaker who can do it all. “He has a great command in the huddle, and is calm, cool and collected every time he takes the field,” Taylor said. With a 5-1 start to the season, Beler is hoping to lead the Titans into the playoffs for the first time in three years. “My hopes for Kadin moving forward are that he gets all the accolades and awards he deserves,” Taylor said. “In my opinion, he is the top dual-threat QB in the 2020 class. I’d hate to be a defensive coordinator planning against him.” Revamped Titans football team off to hot start New Titan quarterback Kadin Beler and his team have scored an average of 35 points per game. The Arcadia Titans football program started the season with its third head coach in three seasons, and a winless streak dating back to September of 2016. To say there were doubters about the state of the program was an understatement. As the 2018 season moves into October, its hard to find any of the doubters still around. The turnaround has been stunning and has caught the attention of fans and media across the state. As of September 24, the Titans record stood at 5-1, with wins over Coronado, Deer Valley, Washington, St. Mary’s and Shadow Mountain. The breakout performance of quarterback Kadin Beler has played a huge part in the team’s success, but he’s had a host of weapons to help out. Junior running back Paxton Earl is averaging over 100 yards on the ground per game, with 5 trips into the endzone. Sophomore wide receiver Crew Edwards has been one of Beler’s favorite receiving targets, with over 400 yards through the air. Samaury Alexander , junior, and Noah Richardson , sophomore, have also passed the 100-yard mark in receiving yards. On defense, senior Jonathan Hunter is leading the team with 47 total tackles, while junior Andrew Quintana , and sophomores Trey Brown and Justin Hunter are making big contributions as well. As the regular season enters the home stretch, Coach Taylor’s prediction of a playoff berth in his first season appears to have a good chance of becoming a reality. All stats via maxpreps.com. PHOTO: AUDREA WILSHIRE Bliss Out with Blanco BILTMORE FASHION PARK

63 OCTOBER 2018 By Rachael Bouley Averi Miller is one determined teenager. As she sets her sights on securing a state championship for her beloved varsity volleyball team at Veritas Prep Academy, she is also looking ahead to her future at the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Averi first discovered her passion for the sport in elementary school, when she played with her older sister. By the time she reached fifth grade, she was allowed to play up a grade and joined the middle schoolers on the court. In addition to her club stints with Livewire and Arizona Storm, including a Nationals championship in the top-ranked open division with the Matt Rogers-led 15s team, she’s also enjoyed a successful past two years with AZ East Valley Juniors. She’s donned a North Phoenix Prep jersey in middle school and now proudly wears white, silver and royal blue for Veritas as a setter and right side. Last season, Veritas volleyball finished runner-up in the state, and it’s a position Averi is confident the squad can improve on. She’s looking to lead the team to a state title, and she says she can “definitely see us winning this year.” A large part of that optimistic outlook comes from her dedicated approach and great relationships with her fellow players. “I try to maintain the same mindset going into each game,” Averi said. “This is important so that each opponent is treated the same way, no matter how bad or good the team is.” Over the years, Averi has had to accommodate both academics and athletics, taking advantage of the opportunities to play the sport she loves while preparing for college and broadening her perspectives. Learning to juggle school work and volleyball hasn’t been easy, considering practice and homework take up much of her time. “You get pretty good at time management; the grind never stops.” No matter how this season goes, Averi will always have her fond memories of quarter finals, when Veritas was down two games and losing the third. “We ended up turning it around after I got a big kill. Everyone was so pumped and excited, especially when we won the next two games to advance to the semis.” Averi’s athletic career has been a family affair, as her parents Kim and Matt Miller are always on the sidelines, cheering her on. They are understandably very proud, watching their daughter realize many of her academic and athletic goals. Kim says it was an amazing moment when they toured the Naval Academy and Averi asked where she fit in with the 2020 recruiting class. The coach’s confident response that she was their number one choice was a welcome surprise. “I loved going on college visits with her and watching the coaches get excited about her talent, which really affirmed Averi’s hard work,” Kim said. Matt says seeing his daughter grow into the amazing athlete she is today has been so worthwhile, and he’s certain she will continue to do great things in the future. “It’s been a lot of fun to see Aver i’s confidence grow and to watch her become the leader she is on the court.” Now, Averi is focused on completing her high school career on a high note before going off on her college adventures, something she is so thrilled about. “I am going to meet some of the most important people in the world, fly planes, sail ships, fire military weapons and serve this country,” she said. “I am so excited for this absolutely amazing opportunity.” Veritas Prep volleyball ace commits to Naval Academy Veritas Prep volleyball player Averi Miller is dedicated to her team and her bright future. Averi Miller I am going to meet some of the most important people in the world, fly planes, sail ships, fire military weapons and serve this country.” Local Dentist Helps Uninsured Adults Paid advertisement Dr. Sophon Heng D.D.S. caters to those people who don’t have dental insurance. Dr. Heng provides comprehensive dental care exclusively to uninsured adults in a modern, yet modest office in Phoenix. Dr. Heng grew up in Seattle and graduated in 2001 from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, and he relocated to Phoenix after graduation. “After watching the dental profession change,” said Dr. Heng, “I felt it had to be done a different way: ‘A Non-insured Way.’ We use the latest technology and treatment, yet we keep our facility modest and control our business overhead, which allows us to offer lower fees to serve the people in the community.” For example, Dr Heng’s office charges $499 for a lifelike crown made with latest materials and technology. His crowns are guaranteed for life against breakage or defects. There is never a charge for a so-called crown build up. Other dental offices could customarily run from $800 to $1200 or more for a similar crown in this area. Also, other general procedures in Dr. Heng’s office run 30-60% less than those typically charged. For example, $499 for a root canal, $499 for immediate denture (each), cleaning starts at $30. Patients often remark they find Dr. Heng’s office a breath of fresh air in an age where profit and greed driven corporations and “banksters” are invading every aspect of our lives, including our health care. “We have had a great response from all of our patients and we have met so many wonderful and appreciative people.” said office manager Channa. “We treat all of our patients like we would our own family.” “We explain to our patients that we don’t cut corners on care, treatment or materials,” said Karen, dental assistant. “We pride ourselves in treating people not just their teeth. We love dentistry and feel great about providing excellent care. We are driven by our desire to help others.” Many of Dr. Heng’s patients are young adults and seniors who have no dental insurance or have only a limited policy that gives them a few benefits and then charges more for their other needs. There is never a charge for an exam and x-ray, consultation and second opinions. Dr Heng offers no gimmicks, just modern quality dentistry at an affordable cost. Sophon Heng D.D.S. 602-703-1195 2600 N. 44th St., Ste. 106 | Phoenix, AZ 85008