The North Royalton High School (NRHS) esports Rocket League squad is revved up for the state playoffs on March 17. After locking in a regional tournament spot, they now have their sights set on the Ohio High School Athletic Association state championship.
Rocket League is a popular competitive video game that mixes elements of soccer and race car driving. Teams of players control rocket-powered cars and must work together to knock an oversized ball into their opponent's goal net to score. Matches require tight teamwork, communication, strategic plays and masterful maneuvering of the rocket cars.
NRHS seniors Zack Crawford, Austin Weitzner, Jack Koll and Thomas Perkins make up the starting roster. Aiden O’Gara helped keep score and stream for the team. They clinched their spot in the Esports Ohio playoffs with a strong showing in regular season play. Captain Crawford said, “The team put in a ton of hours practicing complicated passes, defensive formations, and speed drills.”
On Sunday the 17th, the team will compete in the state semi-finals at Baldwin Wallace University. A victory would send them to the University of Akron for the championship tournament to crown the top Rocket League high school team in Ohio.
“This team has been grinding together for years, I am glad to see their practice is paying off,” said Teacher/Advisor Jeff Rhodes, North Royalton High School.
Esports participation is exploding across schools in Ohio and beyond. Thousands of students competed in sanctioned games this school year. As universities begin offering esports scholarships, competitions are becoming fiercer - but the NRHS squad is ready for the challenge.
Left to Right: Aiden O'Gara, Jack Koll, Zack Crawford, Austin Weitzner, Thomas Perkins