The AIA Soccer Bracket Show is scheduled for next Friday Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. 16 teams from each of the four divisions will qualify for the state playoffs with the top team from each section earning an automatic berth.

As usual, the remaining at-large spots will be based on ranking and section leaders that fall outside of the top 16 will bump others out. Let's take a brief look at the playoff picture for Southern Arizona:

(All records are based on section wins and losses and rankings are as of Wednesday, Jan. 20.)

 

GIRLS Division II

 

Section III

No. 9 Sahuaro (3-0) is in the driver's seat with victories over No. 11 Rincon (3-1) and No. 19 Cienega (3-1).   Cienega would have to win the section at this point.

Section VI

No. 3 Salpointe (4-0) has yet to play No. 5 Ironwood Ridge (3-1-1) and No. 7 Tucson (3-0-1) but those two just happen to be the next two opponents on the Badger's schedule. No. 18 Catalina Foothills (2-1-1) might make the playoffs if the Falcons can defeat Tucson at the end of the regular season. The Falcons need to pull for Salpointe to win out.

 

GIRLS Division III

 

Section II

No. 5 Walden Grove (6-0) defeated No. 3 Palo Verde (5-1) on Wednesday night which means the Red Wolves can clinch the section title Friday night. No. 12 Safford (3-1-1) finishes with Walden Grove but the tie will work against the Bull Dogs. No. 17 Nogales (3-2-1) is still in the hunt for an at-large spot.

 

Section III

No. 16 Flowing Wells (3-0) controls their own destiny due to wins over No. 20 Poston Butte (4-1) and No. 34 Combs (3-1). The Caballeros can clinch a playoff spot on Friday night.

 

GIRLS Division IV

 

Section II

No. 5 Thatcher (6-0) beat both No. 8 Tanque Verde (6-1) and No. 10 Pusch Ridge (4-2). Thatcher can clinch on Friday night. Pusch Ridge beat No. 9 Pueblo (4-2) on Wednesday night so the Lions look secure for an at-large spot.

 

BOYS Division II

 

Section III

No. 2 Rincon (5-0) has a win over No. 21 Nogales (4-1) and can clinch the section with a win over No. 35 Sunnyside (3-2).  The Blue Devils were favored to win this section at one point.

 

Section VI

No. 2 Tucson (3-0-1) had a huge tie with No. 23 Canyon del Oro (3-0-1) and will face No. 4 Salpointe (3-1) on Friday. No. 40 Catalina Foothills (2-1) is still in the mix but the Falcons need some help. The Falcons have to hope Tucson beats Salpointe on Friday.

 

BOYS Division III

 

Section II

No. 11 Douglas (5-0) still has a match against No. 23 Palo Verde (3-2) on Friday. Win that and the Bull Dogs claim the playoff berth. No. 13 Sahuarita (4-2-1) is done with section play but the Mustangs need to win out to stay in the playoffs. That's a difficult task with D-II power Rincon coming up. No. 18 Walden Grove can sneak in with two more wins.

 

Section III

No. 2 Flowing Wells (4-0) has a huge match with No. 12 Catalina (4-1) on Friday and another one against No. 4 Amphitheater (3-1) next week. This section is far from over.

 

BOYS Division IV

 

Section II

No. 3 Pueblo (5-0) can win the section on Thursday night. No. 6 Thatcher (5-1) is looking at an at-large bid. No. 9 Pusch Ridge (3-2) has to keep winning to stay in. No. 14 Coolidge (2-2) is on the edge.