The Division I football semifinals on Friday (Nov. 21) are rematches from two months ago. Hamilton handled Brophy in early September and Mountain Pointe hung on to edge Chandler and deal the Wolves their only loss to date in mid-September.

As the teams prepare for seconds, it can be argued reversal of fortunes are distinct possibilities. Either way both games should be quite entertaining. To wit:

BROPHY (10-3) VS. HAMILTON (11-1) AT CHANDLER HS, 7 P.M.: Brophy, after a 1-3 start, has won nine consecutive games. Its losses are to potential mythical national champion Bishop Gorman, Hamilton (Sept. 5) and D-II title contender Centennial. Hamilton is a robust 11-1 with its only loss coming in overwhelming fashion to Chandler. Hamilton was taken to the brink at home last week by Skyline in perhaps the most surprising outcome of the D-I quarterfinals. Most were figuring on a comfortable Hamilton win. But five Hamilton turnovers were nearly its downfall Hamilton coach Steve Belles praised his defense for keeping the Huskies afloat. 

Hamilton's early triumph over Brophy was decisive. Brophy surrendered 500 yards of offense that night. The Broncos moved the ball, but had trouble converting in the red zone. Brophy has given up lots of yardage on the ground this season, but there have been few cupcakes on their slate. Last week was an exception against a quality opponent as the Broncos clamped down on Desert Ridge's vaunted ground game, limiting the Jaguars to under 200 yards.

Belles believes Hamilton is better than it was the first week of September. Ditto Brophy. The Broncos seem to have subscribed to the adage from philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: "What does not kill us makes us stronger." Scooter Monlander's club with games vs. Bishop Gorman (44-0 loss), Hamilton (41-6 loss), Centennial, Mountain Pointe, Desert Ridge (twice) are proof as is a 4-3 record in those contests. Brophy also won a pair of games down the stretch with difference-maker quarterback Chase Knox sidelined by injury.

MOUNTAIN POINTE (10-2) VS. CHANDLER (11-1) AT HAMILTON HS, 7 P.M.: Mountain Pointe burst out of the gate in August looking like a defending champ with designs on two titles in a row. Outlasting Chandler with a three-touchdown lead at one point  haning on for a three-point win, then losing to Hamilton and bowing to Brophy in a four-week stretch took the starch out of the Pride's title hurrah. Pride coach Norris Vaughan blames some of the downturn during that span to multiple injuries to starters. Mountain Pointe has now returned to health. Its bravado has been restored somewhat with dominating play the past month, including the rout of Pinnacle on the Pioneers' home turf  last week.

Mountain Pointe punishes opponents on the ground. The Pride saw a return to action of north-south, power back Brandyn Leonard last week after fighting off mono. A three-pronged rushing attack is whole again with speedster Paul Lucas and Tyrek Cross. Against Chandler, Hamilton, Pinnacle and Brophy, the Pride have rushing totals of 543 yards, 190, 312 and 355, respectively. If that continues the passing game deficiency won't be an issue.

Chandler, the choice of many observers to claim the state title this year, is a slow start and three minutes of clock vs. Mountain Pointe from being 12-0 rather than 11-1. Chandler faced an uphill battle all evening when the teams met Sept. 19 and the Wolves ultimately dropped a 45-42 decision.

Another banner year for senior quarterback Bryce Perkins (42 touchdown passes and only five interceptions), a bevy of quality receivers and a good enough running game that teams can't empty their barrels to stop Perkins.  Chase Lucas is threat rushing, receiving and in the return game. The Wolves defense has allowed 14 points in its first two playoff games. They are playing as good a defense as they have all year. Putting up 98 points combined this season on Mountain Pointe and Hamilton is quite an accomplishment because defense usually is the winning edge for those schools when title trophy rests in their arms.