A quick look at State last year, and what could happen this year.
3A Boys:
District 4 dominated in the state tournament last year, with Sandia Prep, Bosque, Rehoboth and Hope being in the final four. Both Prep and Bosque had an easy quarterfinal with a 3-0 win, with Prep sneaking the win in PKS. This year, it will more than likely be a similar picture, with Bosque and Prep advancing to the final. Prep has already beat Bosque twice this season, and they more than likely will come away with their 4th state championship in a row, and the 16th state title for the program.
4A Boys:
Academy got seeded at number 1 last year, but were upset early on by Capital, the 8 seed. Academy should easily come away with the top seed followed by Roswell, Los Lunas, and either Farmington or Miyamura. Capital might squeeze in there as well. Farmington and Capital were the only two of these teams to make it to the semifinals last year, with Farmington losing in the final 1-0 Chaparral. My prediction is Academy comes away with a state title by beating Roswell, bringing the chargers first state title since 2001.
5A Boys:
Last year, everyone could guess who would be holding the trophy at the end of the season, and who they would have defeated. This year, the reigning state champion wont even be in the top 4. This years bracket will look a bit different from last year. In 2012, the final 4 included Eldorado, Las Cruces, Gadsden, and La Cueva. In 2013, there are 7 teams that all could end up in the semifinals, it just depends how they play. These teams include: Albuquerque, Gadsden, Cibola, Eldorado, Las Cruces, Volcano and Sandia. Despite the slump they've gone through, I do think Cibola will pull through and be a huge contender for the 5A state title, however, Eldorado should make their 5th state title game in a row.
3A Girls:
Sandia Prep showed last year why they deserved to be seeded first after receiving the 2 seed in 2012 and 5th seed in 2011, but winning state both years. This year, they should be seeded 2nd once again, behind Hope. The final 4 should be similar, with Prep, Hope, St. Mikes and either Taos and Robertson, with Prep and Hope battling in the final. There is a "curse" in 3A girls soccer, that who ever wins district 4, loses in state to the district 4 runners-up. This has happened the past 5 years in either the final or semi-final and will more than likely happen again. Sandia Prep took Hope to penalty kicks their first match up, and only lost 0-1 in their second while they were without their starting keeper. Prep should give Hope a run for their money, becoming three time state champs.
4A Girls:
In 2012, district rivals battled in out in the semi-finals while Aztec upset Los Alamos. Academy went on to beat Aztec to win their 5th straight title. At the beginning of the season, I thought it would be Aztec and Pius in the final, with Pius winning, but now I'm not so sure. District 1 has been a crazy district with all teams being able to make a breakthrough at any time. St. Pius is clearly the number 2 seed, however you can't count Academy out. They haven't had a great season, however, they are led by a group of senior girls who already hold 4 state titles and are very experienced. They only lost to Pius their last game 0-1. I do think Pius will revenge themselves and win state for the first time since 2007, but who they play in the final is up in the air.
5A Girls:
Just like the boys side, the girls side will see different teams in the state final. La Cueva lost a bundle of seniors, and with a loss to Cibola, Volcano Vista might not be in the same place they were last year. Eldorado has only lost 1 game this season, and very well could end in 1st place like they did in 2009. Rio Rancho, Hobbs, Cleveland and Albuquerque should round out the top 5. Cleveland is 14-4, however, they have a team that could succeed in the state tournament, giving Eldorado a run for their money.
