This spring, the Sedona Red Rock High School tennis team has high expectations, and with a few new teams to play and players to play them, it should be an exciting time on the court this season.

Entering his second year as head coach of the Scorpions, Duane Edwards took a peek into the future where he sees Sedona competing quite well.

“I think that we’ll be a strong team,” Edwards said. “With the big three at the top for the boys who are all interchangeable at the No. 1 spot, I think we’re capable of competing with the likes of Flagstaff, Mingus, Prescott and Bradshaw Mountain.”

In 2011, the Scorpion boys were solid, winning the 3A West region and earning a 2A-3A conference state berth before being eliminated by Pusch Ridge High School, 5-2. Pusch Ridge went on to win the state title.

This season, the Scorpions will be competing in Division III with a much tougher schedule, but Edwards still holds out hope.

“I’m excited about this season. We’ll see how we fare against the bigger programs,” Edwards said.

Some of the new teams on the schedule this season include Flagstaff, Prescott, and Bradshaw Mountain high schools while Mingus Union and Page high schools remain.

Top returners for the boys include seniors Ian O’Heir and Shaun Oyakawa along with juniors Cody Chartier, Steven Sundberg and Hank Svennson.

O’Heir, Chartier and Sundberg are the early favorites for the No. 1 spot in the rotation for the Scorpions, but it could change from week to week.

“Our five and six guys will have to step up. Last year, we were so deep, and they would get us that last point if we needed it. This year, the same thing has to happen,” Edwards said.

Sundberg has improved dramatically since his freshman season, and he expects a big season from himself and his team in 2012.

“I’m excited for the season because I know the boys will be very successful, and we will have a good chance to win state,” Sundberg said.

For the girls, top returners include senior McKenzie Moore and juniors Morgan Clark and Erika Seemann.

Top newcomers for the boys include freshman Martin Riascos while for the girls, junior foreign exchange student Kira Levandovska has impressed the coaching staff.

Other top newcomer girls include senior Victoria Nabours, sophomore Carol Curran and freshman Cassidy Phoenix.

The Scorpions begin their season Thursday, March 1, when they welcome the Spartans of Northland Preparatory Academy. Scheduled start time is set for 2 p.m.

Other notable home matches this season include the boys at home against Prescott on Friday, March 9, and both boys and girls at home against Flagstaff on Tuesday, March 27.

Sedona wraps up the regular season Wednesday, April 18, when the boys travel to Bradshaw Mountain while the girls host the Bears.