TGU travels to Parshall-White Shield today for a 9-man semifinal game few expected to see.

After being picked to finish last in Region 5 by many, P-WS went to win the region. TGU finished third in Region 4 and was expected by many to not even make it out of the first round.

Against the odds and skeptics, the Braves and Titans have proven themselves over the past three weeks and are just a step away from a trip to the Fargodome and the state championship game.

For both teams it would be an improbable finish to already successful seasons.

"It's been a while for us," Braves head coach Mark Grueneich said. "Parshall won a state title in 1983 and that was the last time it's been that deep. (The season) has really lit up the community and it's exciting for everyone. At the start of the year we knew we were better than people thought we were, but we just weren't sure as a team what we were fully capable of. As the season progressed we realized we could play a notch above than even we expected.

"Each week the guys have come out and progressively gotten better and that has been a big factor for our success."

The last time TGU earned a spot in a championship game was in 1992 and the last time the Titans made the semifinals was in 2002. The Titans are one of only two, along with Hankinson, No. 3 seeds left in the playoffs. The No. 3 seed might be a little deceptive however as the Titans play their regular season in a highly competitive region, which has been a key to a successful playoff run.

"I think in the West it's one of the tougher regions to play in," Titans head coach Scott Thorson said. "Our region is really solid from first to fifth, especially the top four. All that tough competition certainly doesn't hurt once you get to the playoffs."

Both teams possess multi-faceted offensive attacks.

For P-WS, quarterback Jaren Enockson and running backs Cole Hendrickson and Payton Two Crow have made the Braves diverse this season.

Quarterback Tyler Thorson and running back Ian Keller will spearhead TGU's potent offensive attack.

With two strong, diverse offenses, both coaches feel solid defense is going to be key.

"They have an explosive offense and they are a very opportunistic team, so we certainly don't want to turn the ball over," Grueneich said. "But we need play fundamentally sound defense because the playoffs are definitely more defensive oriented. We need to keep the game in check with our defense because they are the most balanced team we've faced in the playoffs."

"The main key is going to be able to handle their speed defensively," Thorson said of P-WS. "They have some athletes that possess a lot of speed and you can't really focus on any one person. We need to be solid and attack. The only way to defeat speed is to attack."

P-WS is coming of a 14-13 win over Region 4 champion Wells County in the quarterfinals. While he was pleased with the defensive effort last week, Grueneich knows his team is capable of playing much better offensively.

"It was a good, hard-fought win over a good team in Wells County," he said. "But we need to play better than we did last weekend. Defense is a big key but as a coach you always want to put a lot more points on the board."

TGU topped Central McLean 26-20 in Turtle Lake in last Saturday's quarterfinals. It was the third-straight playoff road win for the Titans, who according to coach Thorson are thriving away from Towner.

"We for sure have some frequent flyer miles," he said. "Playing on the road really hasn't affected them and they seem to be really comfortable. If given the opportunity I don't think they would want to play at home at this point."

Grueneich added that he is proud of the way his team hasn't shown its inexperience in the playoff setting. He feels that it is a testament to players.

"It's their own motivation and willingness to play with a lot of heart," he said. "That and they don't want to let each other down. They are a very tight-knit group and it's showed."

Today's start time is set for 1:30 p.m.

The winner will advance to play the winner of the other 9-man semifinal featuring defending champion Hillsboro and Hankinson.