When the whistle blows to start Saturday's Class 1A Semi-final playoff game between Emmetsburg and Council Bluffs St. Albert's at the UNI Dome, the time for talk will end.
Instead, it will be time to produce.
The E-Hawks and St. Albert's met a year ago in the 1A Semi-final, and the outcome was a 24-6 loss for the E-Hawks that ended their season. But this year, Emmetsburg goes into the game with a mark of 11-1, suffering its only loss to Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley in a 34-14 setback in Week Two of the season.
But if you believe in coincidence, try this. Interestingly enough, St. Alberts' also enters the 1 p.m. game on Saturday with an 11-1 mark, losing their only game to cross-town rival Lewis Central by a 48-0 tally in week two of the season.
Emmetsburg was the champion of District One, while St. Albert's claimed the District Eight crown. The E-Hawks outscored their opponents, 414-116 in the regular season, while St. Albert's outscored their opponents 412-129 in the regular slate of contests.
In the playoff series, the E-Hawks have pitched a pair of shutouts for a 124-7 advantage over their opponents, while St. Albert's outscored their playoff foes by a 112-14 tally.
Overall, Emmetsburg has the scoring advantage, 538-123, in points scored and allowed, while St. Albert's has posted a season total of 524-143.
With the two teams basically equal on paper, the outcome of Saturday's game will come down to heart and desire.
Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at the UNI?Dome in Cedar Falls this Saturday, Nov. 10.