One team is looking to repeat, the other is looking for redemption.

Any way you look at it, the boys and girls soccer teams from Billings Central are aiming to finish championship quests today.

Both squads traveled west earlier this week - the girls headed to Libby and the boys went to Whitefish - to play for the State A title.

The girls match is a battle of two unbeaten teams.

The Rams (13-0-0) are the defending state champions, a team that has outscored its opponents 56-1. The Loggers (13-0-0) are seeking to avenge a 3-2 semifinal loss to Central in last year's semifinals.

Central coach Laurie Stergar said her team can't wait for its chance to repeat.

"We're going to play our game," Stergar said. "We don't know what Libby has to offer, but we know they have some very good players. We believe we can counter that.

"It's going to be a good match, there's no question. We're both undefeated. It's a good way to go into a championship game. We're looking forward to the challenge."

In the boys' match, the Rams (11-1-1) are hoping to scale uncharted heights against Whitefish (10-3-1).

This marks Central's third trip to the title game since 2005. The team is winless in its previous two.

Coach Pat Cates echoed Stergar's sentiment, saying his team is ready to play.

"The guys definitely are eager to play the game," Cates said. "They were pretty giddy (Wednesday night) at practice. They're extremely relaxed, which is nice to see.

"This is the third time we've been in this situation. We know emotions are going to be running high."

For Libby to knock off Central's girls, the Loggers must contain a Ram scoring machine that begins with forward Jackie Elliott, who broke her own school record with 22 goals.

Among a slew of players, midfielder Ryanne Frazier and forward Taylor O'Toole serve as a couple other scoring threats.

But Central's strength lies in its defense. Led by the back line of Maggie Powell, Ellie Hyams, Josie Kautsky, Miranda Rabold and goalie Austin Hanser, the team hasn't been scored on in its last nine games.

The Rams have 12 shutouts overall, but they'll be put to the test today.

Libby is led by Anna Valentine, who has 16 goals this year and 39 in the last two seasons. Teammate Jaime Gilden has 22 this season.

"That duo is obviously very strong," Stergar said.

Cates said Central's boys are preparing to take on a Whitefish team that will likely employ an offside trap on defense.

Cates also said that strategy could play into the Rams' hands.

Central will also have to contain forward Travis Adams, who had 12 goals in the regular season. But led on defense by Cody Dutton and Ed Gillig, along with goalie Cody Linde, Central is strong.

History is also on Central's side. Aside from a 4-1 win over the Bulldogs in the regular season, the Rams beat Whitefish in last year's semifinals and forged a tie in the '08 regular season.

The win in last year's playoffs halted the Bulldogs' unbeaten streak at 43 games.

Still, "I don't' think it matters too much," Cates said. "It gives us confidence, but we're not overconfident. We know how strong they've been in the last couple years."

Forward Kevin Klee is the Rams' top goal scorer.

He and forward Mikey Wall, along with midfielder Cory Miller and others, will look to crack the Bulldogs' defense.

Related

• Central girls outlast Libby in OT for 2nd straight title
• Rams dominate Whitefish to win first State A title