Fall sports teams for area schools will begin to get things underway officially later this week and into next week, with the majority of the sports hitting the fields or courts in that time frame.
Snowflake High School has certainly built a strong tradition in their programs and this year will more than likely be another chapter in that success story. Kay Solomon returns to head the Lobo football team, which competes in the 4A Sky Region. Last season they went 7-4 overall, which included a five-game win streak, before losing out to Mica Mountain in the opening round of the 4A state playoffs. This year the team will start things off on Aug. 30, when they host Bradshaw Mountain. The Bears counted for one of their four losses last season with a 24-14 win over the Lobos.
Snowflake’s volleyball team will return as the 3A defending state champions. Head Coach Jamie Robinson has a machine that just replaces parts each year. Last season the Ladies went 10-0 in the 3A East and 16-1 overall before steamrolling through the state playoffs. Their only state tournament game loss was one to Valley Christian, who they defeated 3-1 in the title match. The Trojans were the only team to beat them in the regular season. Snowflake will open the defense of their title on Aug. 29, when they host Gilbert Christian.
The boys’ soccer team is also taking the field as the defending state champion. Last season Coach Keagen Kay’s team went 6-0 in region play, and 10-1-1 overall enroute to their 4-3 state championship win over Chino Valley in the title game. Their only loss last year was to Sedona, and they finished with a tie against Show Low. The team will open this season this weekend facing Pima, Payson, Blue Ridge and The Gregory School in the Payson Tournament played Thursday through Saturday. They open the regular season on Aug. 29, when they host Madison Highland Prep.
The girls’ soccer team went 2-3 in region play and 6-5-1 overall, under the direction of Coach Anna Brubaker. The season ended in the play-in game round with a loss to St. Johns. This season begins at the Payson tournament this weekend where they will face Camp Verde, Winslow, Payson and Show Low. They open regular season play on Aug. 28, with a road trip to Round Valley.
