With the regular season winding down, the Sedona Red Rock High School boys soccer team has reached crunch time.

Next week, the Scorpions play four games — three of which are on the road — in what could decide their playoff fate.

Sedona has lost three consecutive games and sits at 3-3-2 this season but looks to right the ship before the postseason.

The Scorpions are currently third in the 3A Metro North at 2-2, trailing Fountain Hills and Scottsdale Preparatory Academy.

Sophomore fullback Jaiah Grondin has been a critical piece to the Scorpions.

He has recorded one goal and two assists in four apperances this season, good for four points.

Grondin spoke on how the regular season has been and how his role within the team has developed.

 How far have you come from the beginning of the season?
I have definitely come a long way both physically and mentally. I took a three-year break so getting back into shape and getting back into the game has been great. I got talked back into soccer this season and my conditioning and skills have come a long way since the first practice.

How has getting back into soccer been?
It has been great. I do not know exactly why I stopped playing soccer but it feels great to be back out here again. I never felt better that I am back out on the pitch again.

In what area have you seen the most improvement?
This season, I believe I have become faster and more powerful.

Who has helped you improve the most?
There is no specific coach or player that has helped the most but they have all helped me in a sense. I cannot give more credit to anybody but they have all been incredible this season. Since I began practicing with them, my defense has improved tremendously. I had never been asked to play defense so they have helped me learn proper positioning and technique.

 How do you get motivated before a match?
Just by trying to get in that mindset while pumping myself up. It is a serious time so I am not trying to play around before a game. I listen to a lot of pump up and upbeat stuff instead of country music.

 Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite athlete is probably the footballer Wayne Rooney, who played for Manchester United for 13 years. I grew up watching him because my father loves Man U and now Rooney currently plays for D.C. United. He reminds me of my father who passed away when I was 9 years old. My dad was a big soccer guy who coached at the high school before passing away in 2009. I think that is part of the reason why I stopped playing organized soccer for a while. However, it feels amazing to play for the school that my father had previously coached.

 Favorite school subject?
Right now, my favorite subject in school is probably world history. I just love the knowledge that comes with it. I love knowing different areas of the world and areas that I may potentially want to visit in the future. I also get to know the geography of so many distinct locationsaround the globe. I do not have a favorite area but countries such as Italy and Greece have been fairly interesting. I would like to learn more about those two and other nations we have not gotten to yet.

How would you describe your role on the Scorpions?
I feel like my role on the team is just to be there when anybody needs me. They know they can come talk to me if anything happens because we are a supportive team. They have been supportive and positive with me and since I have joined and I have their backs as well.

The Scorpions return to the field on Saturday,Jan. 26, when Sedona faces Miami High School.

The Scorpions are currently ranked 33rd in the 3A conference and hold a -4.2693 rating.

Sedona ends their regular season on the road when the Scorpions take on Tonopah Valley High School on Tuesday, Jan. 29. Kickoff is at 5 p.m.