CARTHAGE - Jon Guidie and his Carthage football team have been here before –– it's actually the third time in the last four years.
But in the first two trips to the state semifinals, the Tigers came up empty-handed. The result in 2015 was a 43-19 loss to eventual state runner-up Chaminade. Last season it was a 54-13 loss to state champion Staley.
The first state finals berth in program history has eluded Carthage (11-1) despite the close calls in recent years, but it'll have another shot at making the Class 5 finale Saturday when it takes on Vianney (9-3) at David Haffner Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 3.
"The more often you're in this spot, it helps just how well you prepare and the time that you spend and what you spend it on," Guidie said after Friday's practice. "I think it's very valuable to have experienced this week before, and that's especially true for our kids who have been here. They expected to be in this position this week, and because of that, it's not brand new for them and they've been able to come out and focus on it."
The stage is familiar, but the opponent isn't. Saturday will mark Carthage's first meeting with Vianney, a team that's making its second semifinal appearance in the last three seasons and claimed a state title in 2016.
The Golden Griffins have lost just once to a Missouri opponent this season –– a 70-28 setback to Class 6 state finalist St. Louis CBC on Oct. 5 –– and have dismantled all of the teams they've faced so far in the postseason. Vianney routed Jackson 69-28 in a quarterfinal last week after knocking off Parkway West and Chaminade by 42 and 41 points, respectively, in the district playoffs.
"They're very explosive and can score a lot of points in a hurry," Guidie said of Vianney, which is averaging just under 40 points per game. "They're probably the most athletic team that we'll have faced this year. They've got Division I players all over the field, so it's going to be a big challenge for our kids. But when you get this late in the year, everybody's good and every game is going to be challenging."
Vianney is led offensively by two 1,000-yard rushers in senior Kyren Williams and junior Percy Mitchell, who have logged 1,612 and 1,660 yards, respectively. The duo has also combined for 52 touchdowns.
Griffins' junior quarterback Griffin John has thrown for 1,726 yards, 21 touchdowns and has been intercepted six times.
"They are pretty aggressive offensively, and they'll go for it on manageable fourth-down plays," Guidie said. "They like to line up in a wildcat formation and give you a punt-or-run option.
"It's a very talented group that Vianney has, but one of the things we can do offensively to help our defense is by lining up, running the ball and using some of those long, time-consuming drives that we've been accustomed to. As long as we don't turn the ball over and are able to finish those drives, I think that would be the best way to defend them."
Like the Griffins, the Carthage offense has had its way with opposing defenses in the playoffs, scoring 49, 65 and 43 points in wins over Republic, Parkview and Lebanon. The Tigers also haven't allowed more 26 points to a team this season.
Sophomore Patrick Carlton has accounted for 2,129 yards despite assuming his starting quarterback role in Week 5. He's logged 1,256 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground while passing for 873 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Starting running back Tyler Mueller, a junior, has rushed for 963 yards and 15 touchdowns while standout wide receiver Jayden Morgan, a senior, has notched 35 catches for 752 yards and nine touchdowns.
Since a 21-12 loss to Webb City on Sept. 21, Carthage has a seven-game win streak, beating every opponent by at least 26 points.

-Jared Porter, Joplin Globe Sports