Sedona Red Rock High School senior Ben Metzger nearly needed another set of hands for his awards, earning the Scorpions’ Soccer Most Valuable Player Award along with the program’s 2025 Golden Boot for totaling the most goals and assists combined — 31 goals and 13 assists — across both the boys and girls teams during SRRHS’ awards banquet on Nov. 4.
“To me, it feels like more to come … I feel we came into the tournament as sort of a Cinderella, being a sixth seed,” Metzger said. “So just being able to be there and make an impact on the league itself, and say, ‘Red Rock’s still here,’ has been great.”
The Scorpions earned the runner-up in the state after narrowly being defeated, the 2-0 on Nov. 1, to Highland Prep West, who went undefeated this season.
“Ben was the No. 1 goal scorer in the entire state for goals per game,” Head Coach Gavin Shippen said. “But he almost averaged a hat trick every single game, which is three goals per game, and it’s like many players go their whole career without ever scoring one hat trick, and Ben was averaging a hat trick.”
“Jake Weber, who used to own the grocery store here in the Village [of Oak Creek] came up with the idea for the Golden Boot award because his grandson was on my team, and so he paid for the award,” said Sedona- Oak Creek School District Governing Board member Sam Blom, a former Scorpions boys soccer head coach. “Watching Metzger grow as a person and player has been amazing.”
“David grew a lot as a person this year, especially as our ‘speaking captain’ which isn’t an easy thing to do in that role,” Shippen said. “That’s where I saw the most development in his leadership, both on and off the field. His ability to communicate with referees in tight situations was a real asset. I also saw a new side of him; I hadn’t realized how strong he was defensively. We’ll see how things play out next year, but it’s reassuring knowing we can count on him wherever he’s needed.”
A speaking captain is a designated team leader authorized to communicate directly with referees during games. The role represents the team in official discussions and is often considered the “captain of captains,” Shippen said.
“Playing on the soccer team with both my brothers is definitely at the top of the list of my favorite memories of playing at SRRHS,” Metzger said. “I played with my older brother Max my freshman year, and we ended up winning a runner up as well. So being able to do it again with my little brother Luke has been amazing.”
Metzger said he often thinks about his scholarship opportunities and post–high school plans but hasn’t made a decision yet.
“I’m just looking to have some fun with the basketball season,” Metzger said, heading into the winter sports season. “We’ve got a new coach this year and I’m looking forward to seeing what else we can do. Obviously, I like the winning part of sports and hopefully we can make a little bit more of an impact this year [in basketball].”
The Scorpion varsity basketball season tips off at home on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. against the Scottsdale Preparatory Academy Spartans.
