In the high school football state semi-finals, Middle Creek at 12-2 hosts Wake Forest at 11-3 while Southern Durham at 12-2 hosts Wilson Hunt at 11-3.

Game time is 7:30 p.m. and the weather is good with highs up to 70 during the games.

Anything can happen in either one of these games. While Wake Forest has generally been considered the powerhouse to beat during the season, three conference opponents were able to do that. However Wake, behind strong defense and a balanced running attack, has come on as of late.

Middle Creek, also a strong defensive team, has won 10 straight games and were able to hold down the running game of perennial power Garner last week. I’m guessing the passing of the Mustangs’ Brant Grisel will be the difference in this one with Middle Creek squeaking one out at home.

In the other game, Hunt has had an impressive season and upset Douglas Byrd last week. Southern Durham beat a good Orange club last week and I think having quarterback Kendall Hinton who has passed for more than 3,600 yards and being at home will be the difference.

So, it’s Middle Creek on to the 4AA finals and Southern Durham on to the 3AA finals next weekend.