Some teams in the 4A Conference voluntarily picked a favorite to win the state tournament, and they all pointed to the same team — Gila Ridge.

Coach Corey Semier approves.

Semier, an alum of Gila Ridge, wants his program to be in state title contention every year. Now it’s time for Semier and his boys to take the next step and win the golden-colored trophy they hand out to championship teams.

“Being an alumnus, I took pride in rebuilding this program to become the statewide power it is today,” Semier said.

Gila Ridge has broken the school record for wins in a season every year since Semier came on board in 2015, accumulating a 40-5-4 record and three section titles in the process.

Semier’s coaching start is impressive and so are the region titles in a city, Yuma, that’s a soccer hotbed. But to be truely considered a statewide power Gila Ridge needs to do better in the second season, the playoffs.

It was upset in the first round two years ago but reached the 4A semifinals last year, dropping a 1-0 decision to eventual champ Coronado. Eight seniors have experienced the two playoffs defeats.

Gila Ridge might be viewed as the favorite by some, but winning it is a different story for the No. 5 seed. The talent in the 4A Conference is well-distributed this year.

“Our experience is second to none,” Semier said, “and now they have been playing our style effectively for three seasons. We are capable of beating teams in many ways.”

Gila Ridge is where one of the state’s soccer ringleaders, Esteban Franco, plays.

The all-around talent can play anywhere, but his skillset is needed up front, where the senior ranks first in the state in assists (24) and second in goals (34), according to maxpreps.com. Franco’s striking partner all season long, sophomore forward Evis Fierro, can also create chances for himself or others.

Helping set up the dynamic duo of Franco and Fierro is junior midfielder Joel German.

“(German) has been our most consistent player on the year,” Semier said. “His work rate and effectiveness isn’t reflected in the stat sheet, but every true soccer mind understands the importance of a midfield ball-winner and catalyst.”

The first test for Gila Ridge (13-2-1) arrives on Wednesday in the first round against a vastly improved Peoria Sunrise Mountain team.

(Coronado is the 4A defending state champ. Photo by Mark Jonex/maxpreps.com)

Notes

Like Gila Ridge, No. 2 seed Greenway also has a big senior class. “They are a cohesive team and play well for each other,” said co-head coach Kenny Laird about his Greenway squad. Greenway’s defense in particular stands out behind the play of senior goalkeeper Riley Widney and center defensive players Kenny Kurbat and Bernave Cruz. The top scorers are midfielder Trevor Swartz and defender/forward Derek Fournier. … No. 1 seed Tempe is another team with a lot of experience, but they will be without one of its leaders in the first round due to a final regular season red card. “I have a very skilled team,” 19-year coach Steven Cihomsky said. “Many of my guys are very comfortable on the ball.” Tempe’s go-to players are forwards Rigo Zamudio and Hector Govea. The midfield threats are Andres Hernandez (“free kick artist and skilled left foot”) and Johnny Rodriguez (“greatest work rate”). … Defending champ Coronado is the No. 7 seed. “This has been a season of learning how to play with the target on our backs,” coach Nick Barker said. “As defending champs we get every team's best game. Its been a year of great battles and lots of close games. The season has been a process of learning who we are and choosing to step up to new challenges.” Senior centerback Tony Cortes “outworks everybody,” and senior midfielder Hector Serrano is the “heart of the team.” Since taking over in 2013, Barker’s teams have reached the final three times, winning it twice. … Washington’s Adam Roberts is in his 23rd season as head coach. His 8th seeded team is led by senior Landry Mayungu, junior David Castaneda and Sergio Pacheco. Castaneda is a midfielder with a forward’s scoring mentality. Washington’s back line is filled with seniors, Chris Carillo, Rafael Perez, and the Martin twins, Jonathan and Bryan. … Most of the boys on No. 12 Sunrise Mountain have played together for almost three years. “You can see out on the field how much they have grown together by their passing and possession,” coach Bob Hossain said. “The boys have taken this season more seriously, with more ambition to win games.” Senior defender Chayse Geeffre, junior midfielder James Hansen, sophomore keeper Connor Froysland and junior midfielder Andy Robertson are the team’s key players. … No. 9 Catalina Foothills’ Connor Cosgrove has scored 20 goals, and junior Ryan Whitney has a team-high 18 assists. “Ryan is an amazing all-around player,” coach said. “Connor has great speed. Senior defender Jorge Garavito is a superior defender that has anchored the back line since his freshman year.” Sophomores Meni McCorhan, Jack Johnson and Dylan Montoya and freshman Miles Lyons are some of the young players who have stepped up. … “We promote discipline, heart, character and have our boys soccer as one organization,” said Douglas’ first-year head coach Alfonso Romero. “We have all three levels practice and develop together.” Romero coached under Douglas legend Ken Cormier, who passed away last year, for 14 years. No. 4 seed Douglas’ captains are Joseph Valencia, Alexes Flores and Jan Acuna.