DAPHNE, Ala. – They met on a warm summer eve about three months ago. They bashed. They battled. They tied. But it didn't count.

This time it counts.

The 2010 pre-season meet and greet between Daphne and Davidson at Archbishop Lipscomb Stadium opened the year for both teams. Tonight's meeting at Daphne's Jubilee Stadium, for one, will close it.

The Warriors and Trojans went on to win their respective regions. Davidson (12-1) comes in after beating Stanhope-Elmore 31-24 while the Trojans (13-0) dispatched Wetumpka 37-0 in the 6A quarterfinals. At the time, Daphne was ranked No. 2, Davidson No. 3.

"Davidson and Daphne have played some classic games over the years," Daphne coach Glenn Vickery said. “Davidson has one of the top teams in the state (and has been) for a long time now. Coach (Fred) Riley is one of the best around. They have a fine coaching staff. They have won tons of games in recent years."

On paper, the undefeated Trojans appear superior to the once defeated Warriors. McGill-Toolen Catholic which beat Davidson in the first half of the year, later fell to Daphne.

But Vickery, who was once the head coach at Davidson, considers a wounded Warrior even more dangerous. And whatever ailed them against the Yellow Jackets seems to be well healed.

"Coach Riley is probably the best option coach in the state of Alabama. They have made a living running the football with big offensive linemen and a great quarterback and several great running backs. Terrance Timmons (5-foot-9, 180-lb running back) has been destroying defenses. He has been unstoppable. He's the real deal. Kendyl Williamson (QB) is a winner. he does not turn the ball over and is a great competitor. They have two receivers (that) are big time threats, too. Their offense (line) averages about what Auburn does. Their center, Thomas Manzie (6-foot,280), could start in the SEC now. He's that good."

On defense, Vickery said the Warriors just seem to get bigger and faster each year. Vickery said the keys to defeating Davidson is checking their big-play threat.

"They must lead the state in long-rushing plays," he said. "The teams that are still playing are all good. Davidson is very, very good. Semi-final games are exciting for everybody. A chance to (go) to the Super Six makes it a big night."