By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

This is familiar territory for the Callaway Cavaliers.

For the third time in six years, the Cavaliers have made it to the state semifinals, and they’re hoping for a better result this time around.

Callaway lost to Buford in 2013, and it fell to Benedictine in 2016.

On Friday night, Callaway will make another semifinal appearance, this time against the host Rockmart Yellow Jackets.

The winner will face either Heard or Fitzgerald in the Class AA state-championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Also this week, the Troup Tigers will make their second semifinal appearance in school history, and their first since 2001.

Troup’s opponent will be defending state-champion Blessed Trinity, and the game will be played in Roswell.

If Troup wins, it would face either Cartersville or Marist in the Class AAAA state-championship game.

Callaway (11-2) punched its ticket to the semifinals with a hard-earned 35-20 victory over Washington County, while Rockmart (13-0) thumped Jefferson County 48-13.

A year ago, the two teams met in the second round, and Callaway outscored Rockmart 40-35.

A key for Callaway will be trying to find a way to slow down a Rockmart offense that has been scoring 47 points per game.

“Rockmart’s 13-0, and we’re looking forward to that opportunity that we have Friday night,” Callaway head coach Pete Wiggins said. “Right now there’s four teams left in Class AA, and we’re one of them. All you can ask for is an opportunity, and we’ve got that, so we’ll go north on Highway 27 and play Rockmart Friday night. We need all the Callaway community to go with us, and fill up the stands and be behind the Cavaliers.”

Troup’s challenge is also a big one.

Blessed Trinity (13-0) beat Cartersville on the way to the Class AAAA state championship a year ago, and it has won three straight games by blowout in the playoffs this year.

Blessed Trinity advanced to the semifinals with last week’s 42-15 win over Eastside, while Troup outlasted Cairo 20-17.

Whatever happens on Friday, this has been one of the best seasons in Troup history.

The Tigers (12-1) have already set a program record for wins in a season, and they’re a step away from reaching a championship game for the first time ever.

“We’re one of the top teams in Troup history,” said Alonzo Ogletree, a senior defensive back. “We’re breaking records and everything. It’s a special moment.”