Unpacking the Sedona Boys’ Soccer Season: A Closer Look at Shipping and Handling

The Sedona Red Rock High School boys’ soccer team is gearing up for an exciting season, set to commence on Tuesday, September 3. With a roster of 20 players and a six-member practice squad, the squad is looking to build on last year’s performance under new head coach Gavin Shippen. Coach Shippen opted not to form a junior varsity team, believing it would dilute talent across the program.

Senior Ramon Betancourt expressed optimism about the upcoming season despite the departure of key seniors. “Replacing them is not going to be easy,” he acknowledged. “However, our new coach seems to be improving our ability to come together as a cohesive unit.” Fellow senior Alexis Flores Casas echoed these sentiments, noting the comparatively easier schedule could work in their favor as they face teams that struggled last year.

Scorpion 2024-25 Soccer Roster
Captains
Ramon Betancourt, senior
Alexis Flores Casas, senior
David Molina Beltran, freshman
Starters
Yoiner Agudelo Esparza, sophomore
Nicolas Bayona, senior
Owen Jimenez, senior
Leo Trotoush, senior
Abel Villa, senior
Israel Montanez, senior
Omar Alexis Matus Martinez, senior
Alexis Ivan Parra Landaverde, senior
Ryder Kelley, sophomore
Javier Ruiz Olvera, freshman
Ariel Bustos Landa, freshman
Emilio Pantoja Ruiz, freshman
Alan Rios, senior
Jose Bruno Castro, sophomore
Angel Montes de Oca, freshman
Axel Roblero, freshman
Jorge Landaverde Luna, senior
Louis Sanchez, sophomore
Larry Palmer, senior
Practice Squad
Gustavo Vazquez Martinez, senior
Aldo Rodriguez, junior
Khrystian Cordova, sophomore
Eduardo Ramirez, junior
Louis Sanchez, sophomore
Ares Lopez Garcia, freshman
Staff
Head Coach: Gavin Shippen
Assistant Coach: Fernando Beltran
Goalkeeper Coach: Garan Dieterich
Team Manager: Nicolas Steven Triana Bayon

Last season, the team showcased impressive grit, rallying to an 11-game winning streak before facing a couple of narrow losses. Their playoff run concluded with a dominant victory against Desert Christian, only to fall short against Snowflake. The Scorpions finished as state runners-up in 2022.

Senior Larry Joseph Palmer, a newcomer to the high school team, expressed enthusiasm for rejoining the sport after playing in middle school. “It feels pretty good to be back,” he said, while noting that he is still working on reaching his full potential. Another senior, Israel Montanez, remarked on the infusion of new talent from freshmen, fostering excitement for the season ahead.

The first match also marks the debut of new goalkeeper coach Garan Dieterich, a Prescott native. Dieterich praised both Shippen and the team, emphasizing the fresh dynamics and potential within the squad. “Goalkeeping demands time and technical skill,” he noted, highlighting the risks involved in the position.

Assistant Coach Fernando Beltran returns after having seen his son graduate, with another son, freshman David Beltran, now on the field. Coach Shippen has encountered some challenges communicating with the predominantly Spanish-speaking team members; however, the presence of Coach Beltran has alleviated many concerns, and all parties are eager to bridge any gaps as they move forward.

The Scorpions will kick off their season with two tournaments: the Boys’ Longhorn Invitational on August 23-24 and the Chino Cup on September 13-14. Coach Shippen’s strategic focus will be on maintaining ball possession. “Eight passes is one goal,” senior Abel Lopez Villa quoted, stressing the importance of teamwork and precise first touches as pivotal elements for success.

Admission to all regular season games, including the home opener against Madison High, will be free. “We encourage everyone to support their local high school and enjoy an entertaining season,” Dieterich added, inviting the community to rally behind the team.