On a map, Peoria Liberty (12-1) and Peoria Centennial (11-2) are separated by only seven miles but, on the field, they are much closer. The two Peoria schools battled it out in late September with Centennial coming in with a 3-2 record and Liberty was undefeated at 5-0.   

Centennial was on the ropes but they came in knowing they could pull off a minor upset and save their season based on their 42-31 victory at Liberty the year before. But, in a game featuring plenty of offensive standouts, it was defense that gave the Coyotes the victory they were looking for.

Isaac Steele hit Daniel Smith from 26 yards out to put Centennial up 17-14 with 6:14 left in the game. Liberty had two chances to retake the lead but Centennial forced a punt and a turnover on downs to preserve the victory.

Even though Centennial defeated Liberty, the Lions preserved a higher ranking and would ultimately earn the top seed in Division II. They used their status to get by Phoenix St. Mary's, Phoenix Paradise Valley and Vail Cienega in the playoffs by a combined score of 134 to 33.

Likewise, Centennial has had little difficulty in the playoffs and outscored their opponents (Lake Havasu, Phoenix Sunnyslope and Scottsdale Chaparral) 117-14 to earn another shot at Liberty in the state final scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29 at Sun Devil Stadium.

Steele has thrown for over 1,500 yards with 25 TDs and running back Dedrick Young has rushed for almost 1,400. After starting out 0-2, the Coyotes have ripped off 11 wins in a row.  If they win one more, they will take home their fourth trophy in seven tries with head coach Richard Taylor guiding them along the way.

Unlike Centennial, Liberty and their head coach Danny Filleman will be making their first trip to the final. The Lions will be led by senior QB Tyler Wyatt and his 2,000 plus passing yards and Jake Schuiteboer's and his 1,000 yards of rushing.

Each quarterback has a skilled receiving crew to throw to but they will be battling two of the best defenses in the state. At the end of the day, the only outcome that is certain is the fact that Peoria will bring home a trophy.

The aia365.com's football championship programs will get posted on Friday. You can download them for free here: http://www.aia365.com/programs​