NOTE: Arizona Interscholastic Association reporter Don Ketchum takes a brief look at some of the boys and girls fall soccer teams from his coverage area, which includes northern Arizona, northwest Arizona and northeast Arizona.

By Don Ketchum

Soccer is played in the winter and early spring in most parts of the state, but there are schools that play it in the fall.

Those schools will be in Division IV for boys and girls soccer.

The defending boys champion is Lakeside Blue Ridge, which defeated Tucson Desert Christian. The defending girls champion is St. Johns, which defeated Show Low. All of those teams should be strong again.

Snowflake could challenge in the north. The Lobos fell to Desert Christian in the opening round last season, but have a strong group returning.

One of Snowflake’s top players is Kiana Natividad, a junior forward on the left side. She is able to control the ball, read the field well and makes plays, according to coach Anna Brubaker.

Another key junior is Stephanie Swinhart, who moves over from volleyball. She is a solid defender and has helped out as a goalkeeper.

The state tournament begins Oct. 28, with the championship matches on Nov. 5 at Campo Verde High in Gilbert.