Let’s take a look at the AIA/MaxPreps soccer rankings from Southern Arizona and how they fit with has happened on the pitch so far and the trends heading towards region play.

Salpointe was the clear power from Southern Arizona last year with a 23-2 record and a runner-up finish in Division II. Palo Verde (23-2) took second place in D-III and Tanque Verde (14-5-1) took second in D-IV.

Some of the same storylines appear to be in place this year but we are lacking the “dominate” team (or teams) so far. We also have a 6A Conference this year which makes things a bit more complicated and yet simpler at the same time.

All rankings are from Tuesday, Jan. 10:

 

6A CONFERENCE (24-team playoff including conference play in)

No. 9 Tucson has losses to Ironwood Ridge, Catalina Foothills, Salpointe and Sahuaro but the Badgers also have wins over Catalina Foothills and Salpointe. The Badgers lost to Ironwood Ridge in a power-ranking match but also beat Salpointe in a game that counts. Big region loss to No. 16 Rincon/University on Tuesday night.

The Rangers are in the driver’s seat for the Southern Region title and Tucson has a very difficult road the rest of the way. Expect both teams to qualify for the play-in tournament.

Rincon/UHS also has some uneven play with big wins and equally big losses. The Rangers were the team to beat in first few weeks of the season.

 

5A CONFERENCE (24-team playoff including conference play in)

No. 5 Sahuaro got blanked by Salpointe 3-0 on Tuesday night. A show down against No. 6 Ironwood Ridge will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 17 and it looks like only one of the two might be able to stay in the top eight the rest of the way. No. 12 Cienega also has a lot to say in the Southern Region. All three should be able to hold on to host a playoff match.

No. 14 Marana and No. 22 Flowing Wells will meet on Jan. 24 to end the season in a match that could decide the Sonoran Region.

 

4A CONFERENCE (16 Teams)

No. 5 Palo Verde should stay high enough to host a first-round match while No. 6 Walden Grove, No. 7 Salpointe and No. 8 Catalina Foothills will be battling it out over the next two weeks. When the dust settles, one or two might still be in top eight. At any rate, expect a lot of home matches on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Between 5A and 4A, 5-6 teams might be hosting on that day,  

 

3A CONFERENCE (16 Teams)

No. 7 Tanque Verde will be tested down the stretch by No. 24 Sahuarita, No. 28 Pusch Ridge and No. 30 Sabino for the Region 7 championship. The first two rounds are scheduled to be played at Red Mountain Park in Mesa.