The time has finally arrived. After 12 weeks of preparation — not excluding the grueling offseason workouts and two-a-day practices — six teams have a lifetime opportunity bestowed upon them, the chance to claim the state championship in their respective classifications.

The 3A action kicks off today at 11 a.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium where Juan Diego will look to defend its crown against the quick-scoring spread offense that Wasach implies.

In the 4A semifinals Dixie faces Springville at 2:30 p.m. Headlining the night is the highly anticipated rematch of last year's 4A semifinal shoot?out between Mountain Crest and Timpview at 6:30 p.m.

Our Web site will feature play-by-play and live blogging from all three matchups and can be accessed at deseretnews.com/highschool for those unable to attend the games in person.

Also featured on our Web site are in-depth breakdowns of all eight games this weekend, including Friday's 5A semifinals and the 2A and 1A championship games at Alta High School on Saturday.

In the first matchup today, the Wasatch Wasps will look to dethrone the king in 3A play. The Soaring Eagle are currently on a 25-game in-state winning streak and look as dominant as ever.

Both teams find themselves ranked in the top four in average points scored this season.

In the first 4A game, the controversy officially came to a close with the reinstatement of Dixie's star quarterback Mike Sharp after the UHSAA acknowledged that his actions in the previous game did not require ejection/suspension.

The Flyers are facing the Springville Red Devils, who are making their first appearance in the semifinals after a 24-year drought.

After falling to Juan Diego in the fourth week of the season, Springville has reeled off seven straight victories.

To conclude the night of football, be sure to get your popcorn ready when Timpview faces Mountain Crest.

Last year's semifinal game between the two teams was perhaps the most thrilling game of the entire season as the T-Birds held off the surging Mustangs for a 37-35 victory en route to their third straight championship.

Mountain Crest, which could be dubbed as the Pony Express for its ability to score large amounts of points quickly faces its toughest test of the season.

NOTE: Mountain Crest vs. Timpview will be braodcast on television on KJZZ and on the radio at AM1230.

— Trevor Phibbs

Playoff pairings

Today's games

At Rice-Eccles Stadium

Class 3A

Juan Diego vs. Wasatch, 11 a.m.

Class 4A

Dixie vs. Springville, 2:30 p.m.

Timpview vs. Mountain Crest, 6:30 p.m.