By Don Ketchum

Coach Ted Campbell wants his Buckeye Verrado boys’ soccer team to have another shot at a state championship, so he has to keep the Vipers on top of their game as much as possible.

That means getting the jump on the good teams as Verrado did in a home match against Avondale Agua Fria on Thursday night (Jan. 12).

The Vipers got three goals within the first 10 minutes and held off repeated Agua Fria attempts to rally in the final moments for a 3-1 victory.

Josh Hernandez scored the first goal for Verrado (11-0) at the 35:25 mark when his shot from the far right was tipped by the Agua Fria goalkeeper but still had enough momentum to get into the net.

Sergio Rizo scored another goal just 38 seconds later to make it 2-0. And Christian Arenas connected on a left-footer at the 30:56 mark.

Verrado did not want to simply settle for just three goals. It was just that Agua Fria’s defense toughened up after that.

Scoring was the problem for the Owls (5-4). They had several chances. Verrado keeper Jamal Bechri made a few diving stops and two other shots hit the crossbar before bouncing away.

Gabriel Sanchez finally scored with 9:24 left, but time was not on the Owls’ side.

“Agua Fria has tough kids. They have got a lot of heart. They’re a good team and we were fortunate to get those early goals,’’ Campbell said.

The coach lauded his defense, particularly Dean Brune and Bryan Espinoza, as well as Bechri.

“He (Bechri) hasn’t been tested a lot this season, but he was tonight. He did a good job,’’ Campbell said.

Verrado was the Class 4A Division II runner-up to Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep last season, and now is in the new Division II, Section I.

“We don’t get as many power points as some teams because the West Valley isn’t as strong as some areas (teams get points for an opponent’s strength of schedule),’’ said Campbell, whose team was No. 1 in power points entering this week. “That’s why we have to make sure we keep winning, so we can make the playoffs. Just keep it going.’’