Palmer Hoffman splits the defenders. Hoffman scored two goals for the win. (Andy Morales/AllSportsTucson.com)

No. 7 Desert Christian beat No. 11 Benson 2-0 at home on Saturday afternoon to help solidify a possible higher seed in the state playoffs but the 2A South Region race still wide open.

The Eagles improved to 8-2 in power-ranking games and 3-0 in region play while Benson fell to 4-4 and 3-1 with one week left in the regular season. The state playoffs are slated to begin on Wednesday, Oct. 25 with eight teams making up the championship bracket.

The bracket will consist of three region winners and five at-large berths and, at the moment, Desert Christian is the only team from Southern Arizona ranked in the top eight which means teams such as the ninth-ranked Gregory School (7-3, 3-2) will be sweating out the final days of the regular season….

GAME STORY AT AZPreps365.com

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Andy Morales was recognized by the AIA as the top high school reporter in 2014 and he was awarded the Ray McNally Award in 2017 and he has been a youth, high school and college coach for over 30 years. His own children have won multiple state high school championships and were named to all-state teams. Competing in hockey, basketball, baseball and track & field in high school, his unique perspective can only be found here and on AZPreps365.com. Andy was named a Local Hero by the Tucson Weekly for 2016. Contact Andy Morales at AMoralesMyTucson@yahoo.com