In theory,
it is simple. But for Xavier Prep’s soccer team, the task is more formidable.
The two-time
defending 6A state champion will need to win a “play-in’’ game on Thursday
night (Feb. 7) in order to reach the state tournament.
At least the
Gators (8-6-1) will play at their Petznick Field home. Ranked No. 11 in power
points by the Arizona Interscholastic Association, they will meet No. 23 Mesa
Westwood (9-7) at 6 p.m.
The AIA’s
top eight teams automatically qualify for the state tournament. The event
begins Saturday (Feb. 9) and if it defeats Westwood, Xavier would almost
certainly have to play on the road.
Xavier has
lost three in a row, four of six (all by shutout) and scored just one goal each
in its two most recent wins, Jan. 11 against Tempe Corona del Sol and Jan. 15
against Phoenix Pinnacle.
Automatic 6A Conference qualifiers
Teams listed alphabetically by
school.
Chandler
Basha, Scottsdale Chaparral, Phoenix Desert Vista, Chandler Hamilton, Gilbert
Highland, Mesa Mountain View, Gilbert Perry, Mesa Red Mountain.
Play-in games
Thursday, Feb. 7 at sites of higher
seeds. Seeding in parentheses.
Glendale
Mountain Ridge (24) at Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor (9), Chandler High (17) at
Tucson High (16), Yuma Cibola (18) at Peoria Liberty (15), Tempe Corona del Sol
(21) at Mesa Desert Ridge (12), Mesa Westwood (22) at Phoenix Xavier Prep (11), Queen Creek (20) at Surprise Shadow Ridge
(13), Phoenix Mountain Pointe (19) at Anthem Boulder Creek (14), Avondale La
Joya (23) at Phoenix Pinnacle (10).
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