Sedona Red Rock High School Football Team’s First Home Game

After nearly six years, the Sedona Red Rock High School football team is set to play their first home game against the Williams High School Vikings. The matchup will take place on Thursday, September 18th, at 7 PM at 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road.

This event is more than just a game; it’s a thank you to military personnel and veterans. All members of the Department of War are invited to attend for free, and complimentary American flags will be distributed. There will be honorary guards in attendance and various military-themed activities during halftime, including a tribute to the late veteran Lewhit, who was a former flight instructor with the Navy Fighter Arms School and a recent assistant track and field coach.

Vincent Smith, the senior quarterback for the Scorpions, expressed his readiness for the home opener. “We’re excited to finally kick off here at home against Williams,” he mentioned in a recent post.

Jack Ross, president of Savco, noted the special atmosphere of the game, stating, “Free admission for all service members. Show your support for Scorpion Football. We encourage red, blue, or white shirts.”

Principal Tom Swanninger mentioned the team’s readiness, “We’re healthy and ready to face a strong opponent.” Initially, the Scorpions had planned to open at home against Baghdad Sultan on August 29th, but they opted to postpone that to get some additional practice, citing the opponents’ strong performance the previous year. They also faced an unexpected setback when a measles outbreak affected a scheduled game against Elpitan on September 13th.

The Scorpions are coming off a tough start to the season, having lost their first three games, including a recent 22-58 defeat against Mayer on September 5th. In comparison, the Vikings had a strong season opener, dominating Mayer with a 52-0 victory. There was also concern about Baghdad, who faced two losses in a row early in the season.

Coach Tony Hauserman commended his players for their growth since the beginning of the season. “We made significant strides offensively, scoring 22 points,” he said. “It was an encouraging performance.” Hauserman pointed out that improvements were visible, especially considering many team members were new to football.

He reflected on the team’s development, stating they’ve kept their plays straightforward so far. “If players struggle with basic blocks, complicating things won’t help,” he explained.

The coach acknowledged a missed opportunity due to a fumble during their last game but maintained optimism about their performance. Sophomore Koen Bailor also contributed to the effort in the recent match against Mayer.

Hauserman emphasized the strength of their senior running back Steel Sturgeon. “He’s tough and plays hard. There were moments he was right up there in every play,” he said, pointing out his defensive and offensive capabilities.

Quarterback Vincent Smith expressed the challenges he faced as a first-year player. “It was tough at first—I had to keep my cool. It’s all about maintaining focus,” he shared, reflecting on the need to adapt quickly as the game moves at a fast pace.

Injuries have also played a role in shaping the lineup. Miguel Villeraga’s knee injury prompted adjustments, but Hauserman expressed confidence in substitutes stepping up to the challenge.

Attendees can look forward to food from the Scorpion Snack Shack, as well as food truck options. Smith shared his excitement for the home crowd, saying, “It’s amazing to look into the stands and see everyone supporting us. I think this game will be a memorable experience and help us build our program.”

Tickets are reasonably priced at $5 for adults and $3 for students, with special Purple Game Day Shirts available for $20. The ticket sales will involve cash transactions only, and those wearing purple will receive a raffle ticket for a scorpion-themed prize.

The Scorpion Athletic Program is planning different themes for each home game. Matt Corney, president of the Scorpion Booster Club, announced that the Student Council is leading efforts for the theme nights, with a community tailgate event planned for homecoming in October.