Kelly Walsh Jim Horne knows Sheridan has a little extra motivation for today's Class 4A playoff semifinal game.

"The rematch part of it," Horne said of the Trojans' 42-20 Week Zero win in Sheridan, "it probably gives them a little more motivation than it gives us, because we beat them the first time."

But the Trojans have all the motivation they need, Horne said.

"This is it," Horne said. "[A] berth in the state title game."

And a chance to play for a state title has been long-awaited for Kelly Walsh. The last time the Trojans (6-4) advanced the semifinal round was 2002 and they haven't played for a state title since winning back-to-back Class AA titles in 1980 and 1981 under coach Rod Flack.

But the Trojans' last hurdle before a trip to Laramie won't be an easy one to clear. After that opening week loss, top-seeded Sheridan (9-1) has reeled off nine straight victories, and the Broncs have close, but impressive, wins over the other two 4A semifinalists (Cheyenne Central and Gillette).

The rematch will feature two of the premier senior quarterbacks in 4A -- Lucas Nolan for KW and Austin Woodward for Sheridan -- with both sporting No. 4 jerseys.

"We know that No. 4 is the one that makes everything go," Horne said, referring to Woodward's jersey number. "Kind of like with us. So I think in that regard, it will be a great showdown between two of the top quarterbacks [in 4A].

"It will be fun to watch that."

Sheridan made some personnel changes up front immediately following the loss to Kelly Walsh, but coach Don Julian admitted that game has little bearing on today's match-up at Homer Scott Field.

"It was a long time ago," Julian said, after beating Natrona County 41-17 in the quarterfinals. "Ten weeks ago, 11 in fact. They're a very prolific rush team."

Both team's defenses have had bend-but-don't-break tendencies during the year, but both were pivotal big during in the quarterfinals. Sheridan scored 27 points off NC turnovers, and Nolan had a big interception in the third quarter as Green River was driving to take the lead.

"I think the real key is going to be defensively on both Sheridan's part and ours," Horne said, "because both teams have proven that they can score points when they have to."

But the end result is the same for both teams: A win earns you a trip to Laramie, while a loss sends you home for the year.

"It's a one game season," Horne said, "just like it was last week."

The winner will find out tonight that this one game means a whole lot more than the previous one.

Contact sports reporter Clint Robus at (307) 266-0615 or clinton.robus@trib.com. Read his blog at tribtown.trib.com/ClintRobus/blog

Trojans Tracker

WHAT: Kelly Walsh (6-4) at Sheridan (9-1)

WHERE: Homer Scott Field in Sheridan

WHEN: 6 p.m., today

LAST TIME: KW beat Sheridan 42-20 on Aug. 28, 2009 in Sheridan.

HE SAID IT: -- "It's a one game season, just like it was last week." -- KW coach Jim Horne.