Lights flashing, reporters looming, tv crews everywhere: this is what the football season has been like for the Sunnyslope Vikings.
The Vikings are going into the final stretch of the season at 3-4 and attempting to make their playoff push though they have been met with unprecedented amounts of media coverage.
Head Coach Sam Jacobs who is in his 4th year with slope said, “This is the most media coverage I’ve ever experienced.”
The football team has performed very well to earn some of this coverage while also having some very talented players including Senior Quarterback Luke Moga.
Moga, who is committed to play at The University of Oregon, said “We have a few kids hoping to move onto the next level and the media is starting to realize what we have here.”
Sunnyslope has been broadcasted on 12 News vs Gilbert which they won, and has been game of the week on AZ preps vs desert edge ending in a loss.
The media has generated many good things for the school and Jacobs said “I think it’s great for the school– just that people know that there’s a place in Central Phoenix where students can go and have opportunities.”
Sunnyslope has grown in popularity over the years and with enhanced media coverage it may continue growing.
Moga said, “This amount of media is definitely abnormal, but for me personally I just have to get used to it.”
Sunnyslope is continuing on their push to the playoffs and looking to win their division again and has had a good start with two wins over division opponents Campo Verde and Gilbert.
Jacobs said, “We just got to stay focused, it hasn’t affected our day to day practices very much, they show up and film for a little bit.”
With the Football games growing in coverage it has led to some unexpected changes.
Jacobs said, “The media’s main impact is on game days, like a push back start time or some interviews.”
The media impact is a good thing for all of Sunnyslope and helps to get the school more reach across Phoenix.
Jacobs said, “The interviews aren’t my favorite part of the job but it’s great for the kids and the school so I’m happy to do it”
The Vikings look to continue on their push to the playoffs finishing their season with their final games being against Dobson on October 27th and Skyline on November 3rd.