At the Coyotes Soccer Classic in Phoenix this past weekend, the boys soccer team from Sedona Red Rock High School finished the tournament with a 2-1 record, taking third overall after an outstanding performance.

“The kids did a great job. The kids are coming together. I’m pleased with how things are going so early in the season, and I think we have momentum,” second-year Sedona Head Coach Cindy Hauserman said.

Held at Arizona Lutheran Academy, the Scorpions won their first two matches Friday, Dec. 9, defeating Valley Lutheran High School, 4-0, and Bourgade Catholic High School, 3-2.

Against Valley Lutheran, the Scorpions were led by Cesar Pedroza, who scored two goals in the 4-0 victory.

Tied 0-0 after the half, Pedroza scored off a corner kick by Josh Serin and the Scorpions were off and running.

Dylan Kopf took a penalty kick rebound off the Valley Lutheran’s goalkeeper’s hands, and netted the ball to make it 2-0 Sedona.

Kopf received a Defensive All-Tournament award after the tournament while Pedroza received an Offensive All-Tournament award.

Pedroza scored a few minutes later to make it 3-0 off an assist from Rene Diaz Jr. and Eli Garcia scored the fourth goal of the afternoon to seal the deal.

In game two Friday, Sedona was paired with Bourgade Catholic in a 3-2 victory.

Pedroza scored his third goal of the tournament off an assist from Alex Bogran to put his Scorpions up in the early going, 1-0.

After Bourgade Catholic scored to tie it, 1-1, Ryan Ramirez gave the Scorpions a 2-1 lead on an unassisted goal, then Bogran scored off an assist from Diaz to put Sedona up for good.

On Saturday, Dec. 10, Hauserman decided it was in her team’s best interest to rest a few varsity starters, and give a few other players a break to get healthy.

“We decided to rest a few of the varsity starters, plus there were a few injuries to nurse so we gave the bench some time to play,” Hauserman said.

Sedona met Valley Lutheran again Saturday, but this time, the Flames came out on top 3-2 after winning in penalty kicks, 3-2.

Ramirez brought the Scorpions back two different times against Valley Lutheran, the first coming in the first half down 1-0 off a gorgeous shot from the left side, which was assisted by Pedroza.

Down 2-1 in the second overtime period, Ramirez scored again, this time off an assist from Serin to make it 2-2 with three minutes to go, sending the match to penalty kicks where Sedona eventually lost.

With their 2-1 record at the Coyotes Soccer Classic, the Scorpions improve to 4-1 overall this season.

Up next, Sedona is scheduled to host rival Mingus Union High School on Thursday, Dec. 15. Official start time is set for 5 p.m.