50 DECEMBER 2023 By Rachael Bouley It’s been a busy fall for Arcadia, Brophy, Veritas and Xavier high school athletes, who spent their seasons gearing up for the ultimate goal – the State Championships. Here’s how the season unfolded for football, cross country and swim teams. ARCADIA HIGH SCHOOL Football The Titans picked up where they left off last year, winning the 4A Desert Sky Region Championship with a 10-0 regular season record. In their first ten games, Arcadia scored 362 points and allowed 125, with three shutout victories under their belts. Their undefeated streak and region title was secured with a 27-0 win over AZ College Prep on November 3, setting them up for a playoff run. Junior quarterback Braylen Rooney threw 18 touchdown passes with 1,454 yards in the first ten games. “We worked very hard in the off-season,” Braylen said. “The team deserves these wins, and we are very proud of our progress – the job isn’t finished, though.” Senior running back Brady Forst led the team with 21 touchdowns and 95.2 rushing yards per game in the regular season. Senior wide receiver Jeremy Smith had 53.7 receiving yards per game. In the first playoff game, the Titans faced off with Coconino High, winning with just three minutes left for a final score of 23-20. In game two, they got past Thunderbird by a field goal in OT, winning 31-28, setting up the 4A State semifinals on November 24. Cross country Arcadia runners logged over 100 miles in summer training ahead of the season, and their hard work paid off with impressive showings at Peaks Invite in Flagstaff and Ojo Rojo Invite in Chandler, plus a trip to the Golden State. “The highlight of our season included an out-of-State invitational to Oceanside, California, where the team enjoyed some much cooler weather and set several personal best times in the 5K event,” Coach Tyler Moore said. Senior Captain Kaileena Ferguson and sophomore Chase Braden qualified for the State championships, finishing 13th and 72nd, respectively. “Both Kaileena and Chase showed exceptional determination and strength at the State meet,” Moore said. “We are looking forward to building on this year’s success and eagerly anticipate the next cross-country season.” Swim & Dive The Titans made a splash with a successful swim and dive season, qualifying two divers for the Division 2 State Competition. Senior Avery Klose placed 13th in girls’ State diving with her highest score of 243.6, while junior Avery Bowling competed in boys’ State diving for the third year, finishing second with his highest score of 423.95. They were backed by a close-knit team, smaller in size than the last two seasons after seven divers graduated in 2023. “The smaller team size caused the divers to be more connected with and supportive of each other,” Coach Brittney Blystone said. “We will be graduating two seniors this year, so for next season, we are looking forward to improving the diving skills of those on the team already. We are hoping for more underclassmen, or even upperclassmen, to take a chance and come out for dive.” BROPHY PREP Football The Broncos bounced back from a close week one loss to win eight of their last nine games in the regular season, going 8-2 overall. They clinched the 6A Central Region Championship with a 14-12 victory over Salpointe Catholic on November 3. “We have a ton of talented players, but one kid playing extremely well has been quarterback Charlie McGinnis,” Coach Jason Jewell said. “He has made a ton of plays through the air and on the ground and is leading the team very well.” The senior QB earned Region Player of the Year honors with 2,172 total passing yards, while senior linebacker Alex Salome was named Region Defensive Player of the Year. These on-field leaders are keys to Brophy’s success as they set their sights on State glory. “We hope to make a deep playoff run and compete for a championship,” Jewell said. The Broncos advanced to the AIA 6A Conference semifinals with a 31-17 comeback victory against Casteel on November 17. The team trailed 17-0 in the third quarter and 17-2 entering the fourth but scored four times in the final quarter to advance to the semifinals and win 10 games for the first time since 2014. This is the sixth consecutive win for the program. Cross country Brophy wrapped up the 2023 season with a ninth-place team finish among the Division 1 programs. They had a busy fall, enjoying another varsity team trip to Irvine, California, in September for the prestigious Woodbridge Invitational. They also claimed the runner-up team trophy at the Casteel Invitational in October, overcoming the challenges of a young team to build experience and set a strong foundation for the future. “Our State meet placing was well above what was projected,” Coach Oscar Borboa said. “Junior Santiago Sanchez claimed an all-State medal with a ninth-place individual finish at the State meet and also broke 16 minutes for an official 5K this fall. Senior Jack Kyle was also outstanding, and his 15:10 time for three miles at Woodbridge is one of the fastest in program history.” Swim & Dive Brophy swim and dive ranked third at the AIA Division 1 State Championships, with 256.5 points from three top relay finishes and 20 finalists. Senior Theodore Neilson had two podium finishes in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard breaststroke. He joined seniors Jackson Douglas and Tristan Oudman and freshman Finn Conley with a third place win in the 200- yard medley relay. Neilson went on to lead a 200 individual medley “A” trio, placing third with sophomore Mark Heffern in fifth and senior Nico Wood right behind at sixth. Freshman Patrick Dunn and sophomore 2023 high school fall sports wrap up Arcadia High diver Avery Bowling, Coach Brittney Blystone and diver Avery Klose. Xavier runners Genevieve George, Adriana Lawterborn, Carter Cook and Victoria Larson. PHOTO: DAVID SMITHERS PHOTO COURTESY OF BRITTNEY BLYSTONE

51 DECEMBER 2023 Ashton Joswiak also had successful swim performances at State after winning the Cummins Invitational and the Brophy/ Xavier Invitational earlier in the season. Senior diver Sean Kennedy finished 16th overall in the State. VERITAS PREP Football The Falcons made it to round one of the AIA 2A State Championship playoffs but fell 28-26 to San Tan Charter. They finished 5-1 in the region and 7-3 overall in the regular season, scoring 379 points. Cross country Veritas boys’ varsity cross country placed 17th at State, captained by four-year senior Kishan Bhatnagar, who set a personal best of 19:09 and helped push his teammates to succeed. “All nine boys set lifetime bests in the 5K distance this season. They stayed accountable to each other and pushed themselves,” Coach Sawyer Koops said. “Sophomore Declan Travis continued his breakout from spring track, setting a new personal best of 17:03 during the season and finishing 29th at the State Championship.” The varsity girls also had an impressive season, qualifying for State as a team and finishing 10th overall. “Sophomores Hazel Haggerty and Rachel Barney led from the front, setting season bests of 20:52 and 21:28 to finish 30th and 43rd at State,” Koops said. XAVIER PREP Flag Football In the first officially sanctioned AIA season for high school girls’ flag football, the Gators had a blast on the field and even made it to the second round of playoffs. They went 3-1 in the 6A region and 8-4 overall, with a 14-6 win against Mountain Pointe to start their playoff run before a narrow 7-6 loss to Red Mountain in the next game. “The season was great. Highlights included the girls bonding as a team, and it was a highly competitive initial season,” Coach Michael Patterson said. “Imani Campbell led in tackles, and Isa Ady led the team in sacks.” Although each team member helped lead the successes of the season, Patterson cited Kate Macdonald as the lead in touchdowns and Gigi Bulkley in catches. “Our future goal is to take our team to State,” Patterson said. After playing flag football in physical education classes for years, the Gators are eager to build on this new competitive sporting opportunity with one of the only fields in the State featuring official flag football lines. Cross country Twenty-four cross country runners participated in the 2023 season, with the Gators finishing as State runners-up. “Our challenges were the usual mid-season injuries, but Julia Russo, Lily Beaver, Kaitlyn Markam, Ella Wadsworth, and Maggie Mostoller led the team this season,” Coach Dave Van Sickle said. “Our goal is to win State next year.” Swim & Dive The Gators enjoyed lots of success this season, going 5-1 in dual meets and winning the Brophy/Xavier invite, the Craig Cummins invite and the AMDG invite. They placed sixth, just one point away from fifth, at the Division 1 State Meet, with a fourth-place finish in the 200 medley relay for Geni George, Adrianna Laterborn, Carter Cook, and Victoria Larson. Audrey McEwen joined these standout swimmers with top 10 finishes throughout the State events, while Maya Superfon came fourth in the diving championships. “Some of the highlights were winning the Brophy/Xavier invite for the first time in three years, and our second-day swims at the State meet,” Coach David Smithers said. “Every swim but one was faster, or the swimmers moved up a place from their prelim swims.” Xavier had three Academic All-American swimmers this year: Brooke Person, Audrey Schaub and Sophia Sweatlock. Serving the Arcadia area since 1958            •  •    •   •    •          HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Schedule Your Holiday Boarding Today! Member Since 1959 4855 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018 | ingleside.com HOSPITAL 602-840-3446 | GROOMING 602-952-1754 Appointments available BRIAN A. SERBIN, DVM • FELICITY GESINA, DVM MOLLY R. KLEIN, DVM • HEBAH MOHAMED, DVM • EMMA SMITH, DVM Christ Lutheran School Preschool - Grade 8 • www.clsphx.org LC-MS Worship LOVE GROW SERVE Sunday 8:00am & 10:45am – Traditional Sunday 8:30am & 10:30am – Contemporary Sunday 9:30am – Teaching Sunday School/Bible Classes - 9:45am Sunday 12:30pm – Spanish Saturday 5:00pm – Contemporary 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix | www.cclphoenix.org | (602) 955-4830 Dec. 24 4:00pm Children’s Service 5:00pm Family Worship with Celebration* 7:00pm Contemporary Carol Service* 9:00pm Traditional Carol Service* *Candlelight Services Dec. 25 10:00am Traditional Christmas Day Worship Visit our website for online services. n NATIONAL CLASSIFIEDS • DECEMBER 2023 HEALTH/FITNESS VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Español. Dental Insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus. com/ads #6258. Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587. MISCELLANEOUS Aging Roof? New Homeowner? Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091. Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176. Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936. BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725. Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398. HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499- 0141. Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads. DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24. 1-866-479-1516. Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306. MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936. Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892.. Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: 1-877-592-3616. Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971. DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405. Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on vet bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-844-774-0206 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/ads. Diagnosed with lung cancer & 65+? You may qualify for a substantial cash award. No obligation! We’ve recovered millions. Let us help! Call 24/7 1-877-707-5707. !!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277. Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234. Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. Limited time, we’re waiving all installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 12/31/23 Call 1-844-501-3208. Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.