Nearly four weeks ago, Parkview Baptist and University High shared the District 6-3A championship.

The two rivals split their two league games with the Cubs winning 8-4 at Parkview, with the Eagles returning the favor two days later with an 11-1 road victory.

Now they’ll determine something with greater value — a spot in Friday’s Division III select state championship game.

“It’s going to be a great atmosphere,” U-High coach Justin Morgan said. “We’ve got a lot of respect for them, and they do a great job. The bottom line at this point in the season we tell our players, it’s like we’re playing against ourselves. Can we bring our best to the game and not worry so much about what the other team does. Do what we do best.”

No. 3 U-High (26-8) faces No. 2 Parkview Baptist (31-6) at 2 p.m. Wednesday in a state semifinal at McMurry Park in Sulphur.

“We know what they’re trying to do, they know what we’re trying to do,” Parkview coach Phillip Hawke, explaining the familiarity between the teams. “It all starts with the guy on the mound to begin the game, and how either team will dictate the tone, and how the game’s going to be played.”

Both teams navigated challenging schedules and are red hot going into their third matchup.

U-High’s won 13 of its past 15 games, sweeping both of its home playoff series. The Cubs went extra innings on Thursday for a 4-3 victory and eliminated No. 6 Calvary Baptist.

“We didn’t start off great at the beginning of the season,” Morgan said of his team’s 3-5 record. “A lot of that has to do with the schedule and I feel like we’ve been battle-tested through the course of the season. I’m really proud of the kids.”

Catcher Jaxon Simoneaux (.379, five doubles, 16 RBIs) tops U-High offensively followed by center fielder Cole Conner, an Army signee, (.368, five doubles, HR, 23 RBIs) and designated hitter Ethan Hopkins (.366, 10 doubles, four HRs, 33 RBIs). Southern Miss signee Camden Sunstrom (7-3, 3.23 ERA, 72 Ks) leads the Cubs’ pitching staff.

Parkview features a lineup with six players batting .300 or better led by catcher Thomas Bonaventure (.396, 10 doubles, five home runs, 38 RBIs) and third baseman/pitcher Wesley Marian (.396, eight doubles, four homers, 35 RBIs).

The Eagles’ pitching staff, with a team ERA of 1.70, is led by Southeastern signee Brant Melancon (8-1, 0.91 ERA, 66 Ks).

“We have to go out with a mindset that we have to set the tone,” said Hawke, whose team has won eight straight. “We have to play our game and not necessarily be too concerned with what they’re trying to do.”