In practically every sport this year, Solon has proven to be an elite school in the Class 2A ranks.

The Spartans are attempting to become the first 2A team ever to win state championships in football, basketball and baseball.

If any team in the tournament field could rival such worthy credentials, though, it would be the St. Edmond team they will face for a berth in the title game here this evening.

Second-ranked St. Edmond (33-3 overall) and top-seeded Solon (37-5) have both proven to be powerhouses, and will duke it out for the opportunity to add to their legacies at Principal Park in the semifinals.

Start time is set for 6 p.m.

"(Solon) definitely has all the pieces to the puzzle. They have had a tremendous year almost across the board," said St. Edmond head coach Joe Shanks. "We are going to have to dig deeper and play well.

"At this stage, there is less room for error."

The Gaels have had a banner year in athletics - just like Solon - with state qualifying teams in football, basketball, track, tennis, and to cap it off, a baseball squad that has won 31 of 32 games.

All of those factors should add up to an exciting contest, as the top 2A squads remaining gear up to push themselves through to the title game against either Dyersville Beckman or Cherokee on Saturday at 2 p.m.

"Our guys have proven themselves, just like Solon," said Shanks. "Our kids have the inner strength, and there are about nine or 10 guys that I would feel confident at the plate to drive in a game-winning run.

"This is a battle tested group, and this is another matchup we will have to find a way to win. I'm confident these guys can go down there and play up to their potential."

St. Edmond advanced to the semifinal round with a 11-8 comeback victory over Council Bluffs St. Albert, while Solon advanced with a 5-1 victory over Sumner-Fredericksburg.

Taking the mound for the Gaels will be John Engler, while Jon Flattery will be available in relief as well as Joey Flattery likely. Engler has a 0.57 ERA and 66 strikeouts.

Joey Flattery (.517), Jon Flattery (.411), Thomas Kesten (.406) and John Engler (.391) will all be looking to power the SEHS offense.

"He (Engler) comes right at you and throws strikes, and we will have to establish the plate and keep them off balance to be successful," said Shanks. "Our offense will have to step up in key situations, too.

"Either way, we have skills, they have skills, so it should be seven good innings of baseball."

Likely taking the mound for the Spartans will be Brandon Shulista. The lefty has a 1.52 ERA with 80 strikeouts on the season.

"We have been working on hitting left handers, and we will have to be able to fight off good pitches," said Shanks. "We are about as prepared as we could be, so we just want to come out and play hard and see what happens."

The Solon line up is led by senior phenom Cody Strang, who has a .526 batting average. Ben Weeks (.478), Ben Bergman (.420) and Derrick Loveless (.414) are all threats as well.

Contact Brady Johnson at (515) 573-2141 or by e-mail at sports@messengernews.net