ON DECK: NWC vs. YC Round 7 here we go

When I was talking with Yuma Catholic coach Rhett Stallworth before the end of the regular season, he said that he hoped the bracket works out that if the Shamrocks and Northwest Christian met it would come in the state championship — for the third straight time.

Instead, Yuma Catholic dropped to No. 5 and will face the No. 1 Crusaders in a semifinal.

The Shamrocks and the Crusaders have turned into something of a rivalry over the past few years, each becoming a superpower at Division V. Sometimes it takes the greatness of your opponent to bring the best out of yourself — like the “relationship” Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had in the 1980s.

Stallworth and Northwest Christian coach Dave Inness have created self-sufficient programs at their schools. It's clear talking with them they have a strong respect for each other. But when the game starts, they'll each do anything to win.

Well, here comes Round 7.