Timothy Christian has its work cut out

As soon as their teams earned berths in today’s Class 1A state finals at North Central College in Naperville, Gibault coach Jim Corsi and Timothy Christian coach Rudi Gesch began searching everywhere for information regarding their opponent.

If it wasn’t for a massive downpour on Sept. 13, the coaches could’ve scouted one another in person. That’s when both teams were scheduled to play on fields next to each other in the Pepsi Showdown, but all tournament games were canceled that day.

‘‘When I realized that on Wednesday, my stomach turned,’’ said Corsi, whose team will take on Timothy Christian in the first semifinal at 5:30 p.m. ‘‘I would’ve been taking notes. I always take notes, and I would’ve scouted them that day.’’

Corsi’s squad is once again the favorite to capture the state title this weekend, just as it has done the last three years. Thanks to Tuesday’s state-quarterfinal victory, Gibault will bring home its sixth state trophy since 2001.

‘‘The seniors on this team don’t know anything else but winning state,’’ Corsi said. ‘‘They’re excited.’’

The Hawks’ 12-9-2 record might not be impressive, but the school with a mere 247 students plays a schedule loaded with Class 2A and 3A powerhouses. Jacob Posey (12 goals) is the lone Gibault player in double figures.

Jake Schemper, who was named to the Pepsi Showdown all-tournament team, leads the way for Timothy Christian (17-5-1) with 13 goals and 17 assists.

‘‘If we finish third or better, this will be the best finish in school history,’’ Gesch said.

The winner will play Winnebago or Rochester for the state title at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.