H e a d li n e rs
AIA Crowns First-Ever Girls Flag Football State Champions
Photo courtesy of Mesa Public Schools
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n a historic moment for the Grand Canyon State, Arizona has witnessed the crowning of its first-ever girls flag football state champions earlier this month! The inaugural AIA (Arizona Interscholastic Association) girls flag football playoffs featured thrilling games and unforgettable moments. In the 6A championship showdown, it was #9 Mountain View that etched their name in the history books. Playing on their home turf, the Toros secured a state championship by defeating #11 Mountain Ridge with a nail-biting final score of 10-7. The victory marked the birth of the 6A flag football state title. The Toros' freshman quarterback, Tierah Metcalf, showcased her talent by throwing a crucial touchdown pass to sophomore Sadie Christensen during the first half. The Toros' senior standout, Tessa Christensen, sealed
the deal with a third-quarter field goal and made a pivotal interception in the game.
Meanwhile, in the 5A championship, Campo Verde emerged victorious by holding off Canyon View with a score of 14-13. The Coyotes' sophomore quarterback, Isabella Pap, connected twice with junior wide receiver Madison Coger for crucial scores. Madison Coger not only contributed on offense but also made a significant impact on defense with two interceptions and a game-saving blocked extra point attempt in the final minutes. These championship games showcased not only the outstanding athletic talent but also the grit, determination, and sportsmanship of Arizona's young female athletes. As the first-ever girls flag football state champions, they have paved the way for future generations and made history that will be remembered for years to come.
Student Surpasses Chess Milestones By Amy Licht
Photo courtesy of BASIS Chandler
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ASIS Chandler senior Sandeep Sethuraman has been playing competitive chess since he was 8 years old. Now, he’s the captain of the chess team at BASIS Chandler and is an International Master—the second-highest title awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). Sandeep became an International Master last year. Since then, he’s continued to compete in state, national, and world championships, all while coaching his fellow players at BASIS Chandler. “The chess community at BASIS Chandler is
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very tight knit, and I’ve learned so much by being a player and a coach here,” Sandeep says. “I’ve learned to never underestimate my opponents, and to always give my teammates the best possible scenarios for success.” In August 2023, a cover story written by Sandeep was published in “Chess Life” magazine, the official magazine of the United States Chess Federation. In his article, Sandeep writes about what it means to win and lose at highly competitive national events. “Being recognized in ‘Chess Life is amazing,’” says Sandeep. “That magazine reaches over a quarter million people every month. So, to have my article published and have people read and learn from my analysis, that’s a great feeling.” EPICKIDSAZ.COM
