Surprise, Ariz. — The Spirit closed out their inaugural season with a loss to the Simpson Red Hawks, but the night was about much more than the result—it was about reflecting on how far this team has come.
Simpson was able to capitalize offensively, led by their quarterback who threw for three touchdowns and helped keep the Red Hawks in control. Despite that, the Spirit continued to compete and showed the same fight that has defined them all season.
Offensively, OUAZ had some strong moments through the air. Bryce Watson put together an impressive performance, throwing for 298 yards, while Aaliya Oliver was a standout playmaker with 142 receiving yards. Contributions from Taehanie Scott, Shariffa Piamonte, and others helped keep the offense moving and showed the potential this group has moving forward. Oliver also added a rushing touchdown, providing a highlight for the Spirit.
While the final game didn't end in a win, it marked the conclusion of a historic first season for the program. From the very first game to now, the growth is undeniable—this team has learned how to compete, how to battle through adversity, and how to support one another.
As fans, it's easy to see that this is just the beginning. The Spirit didn't just play their first season—they built a foundation. With the experience gained, the lessons learned, and the resilience they've shown, the future of this program is something to be excited about.
