The overall winning streak rests at 39. Hamilton's goal Monday is first, a third consecutive 5A-I state title. That would mean win No. 40 in a row would come as a byproduct.

The team that stands in the Huskies' way, Desert Ridge, has a modest streak of its own going with eight consective wins. The Jaguars pit their dynamic offense against the Huskies' rock solid defense in the 2010 5A-I championship game. Kickoff is at 4:10 p.m. at University of Phoenix Stadium.

"Desert Ridge is not here by accident," Hamilton coach Steve Belles said. "They are sound in everything they do. They beat Chandler and made a goalline stand in late in that game. You have to make plays like that to get to this point."

Hamilton is not here by accident either, playing for the title for the third year in a row and sixth time in the last seven seasons. The Huskies offense is solid. They average 40 points a game. Their defense is yielding 12 point sa game, but has not given up a point in the first half of any playoff game and the three touchdowns allowed in postseason were given up by reserves in the fourth quarter.

That prowess dicatates  that Desert Ridge must bring its best game and at least its current level of play to make a game of it .

"We have to concentrate on what we do best," Desert Ridge coach Jeremy Hathcock said. "We're going to stick with what we've been doing and challenge them on the perimeter. We may be able to give Parker (Rasmussen) a lot more looks with our passing game."

Both teams strive to win the turnover battle. For Desert Ridge that's a must if its to pull off and upset. Hamilton has not been very giving in that category with just 13 turnovers in its 14 games. The Huskies on the flip side have forced 36 turnovers, giving them a plus-23 in the takeaway/giveaway department. They average 450 yards per game - 264 rushing and 186 passing.

"We have been very methodical on offense this year," Belles said. "Our offensive line has been outstanding. That's where it all starts. Kyren Poe has really done a great job leading us. He throws it well, and sometimes you don't realize until the end of the game that he's given us quite a bit on the ground as well."

Poe has passed for 1,914 yards and 16 touchdowns. He's the second-leading rusher on the team behind Jai Johnson (869) with 834 yards and 12 scores.

Desert Ridge's playoff run has been fueled by junior receiver turned quarterback Jordan Becerra and junior running back Joey Counts. The pair have rushed for 2,197 yards with Counts rushing for 100 yards or more in seven consecutive games. Becerra has more than 700 of his rushing yards in the four games since he took over as quarterback the first week of November.

"Our goal is to stop their running game and make them throw," Hamilton defensive end-defensive tackle Shaq Jenkins said. "Our defense has been good against the run all year. I don't think their running game is anything we can't stop."