Ironwood Ridge

Ridge spikers

Randy Metcalf/The Explorer, Ironwood Ridge outside hitter Erin Hohenstein spikes the ball past Mountain View's Anna Geissler during last week's volleyball match.

Ridge spikers

Randy Metcalf/The Explorer, Nighthawks middle blocker Meghan Finley, left, and outside hitter Erin Hohenstein attempt to block Lions' setter Kayla Darris in their match last Wednesday. Ironwood Ridge won, 3-1. The Nighthawks host rival Salpointe Catholic this Wednesday evening.

Ridge spikers

Randy Metcalf/The Explorer, Lions' outside hitter Kristen Hains bumps the ball during the first game.

Pusch Ridge

Randy Metcalf/The Explorer, Last Thursday, the sun peaked over Pusch Ridge of the Santa Catalina Mountains early on a brisk day, withs beams of light shining through morning moisture. This week, the weather is expected be sunny, with highs nearing 70 and lows in the mid-30s.

Ridge Homecoming

Randy Metcalf/The Explorer, During half time at Ironwood Ridge High School's homecoming football game, the seniors participating in the float competition dance while dressed as Star Wars characters. The float did not place in the competition because it was "too awesome to place," according to the announcer.

Ridge Homecoming

Randy Metcalf/The Explorer, Ironwood Ridge High School seniors Lauren Bokaie and Kodi Gamble ride off after being announced the school's king and queen during half time at last week's football game.

Ironwood Ridge’s title hopes dashed in rout

Craig Grau/The Explorer After a heroic effort, Ironwood Ridge pitcher Kelsey Groff watches Sunrise Mountain’s winning run slide into home, ending the Nighthawks’ title dreams.

Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks

Photo courtesy of Jarod Opperman, West Valley Preps

Ironwood Ridge headed to state

Devon Olivarez celebrates after the Nighthawks’ 35-21 victory over Marcos de Niza on Nov. 16. The Nighthawks are now headed to the state championships on Saturday at Sun Devil Stadium at Arizona State University.

Ironwood Ridge headed to state

Above, Tyler Williams makes his way through the Marcos de Niza defense. At left, Anthony Braunreiter carries the ball. Braunreiter was the star of the game, rushing for more than 270 yards. The Nighthawks now face Centennial.

Ironwood Ridge vs. Apollo

Jake Vartanian became a third rushing threat for the Nighthawks as they overcame a first-quarter deficit to defeat Apollo 42-30. They will play in the semi-finals Friday.

Ironwood Ridge vs. Apollo

Julian Figueroa carries the ball in a game against Glendale Apollo on Nov. 9.

Ironwood Ridge vs Prescott

Ironwood Ridge High School's Anthony Braunreiter breaks through a tackle during Friday night's first round playoff game against Prescott.

Ironwood Ridge vs Prescott

Ironwood Ridge senior Jake Matthews is forced out of bounds by a Prescott player during Friday night's game.

Ironwood Ridge volleyball

Aunesty Jantz leads the Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks to victory.

Pusch Ridge Christian Football

Ben Walker of the Pusch Ridge Lions falls back after making a catch from the quarterback.

Pusch Ridge Christian Football

Ryan Penny tackles a player from Hope Christian in the second half.

Pusch Ridge Christian Football

The quarterback from Hope Christian is tackled by Pusch Ridge's Adrian Ochoa-Gomez.