The first showdown was one of the most anticipated matchups in Western AA this season, now the rematch has everything on the line.

Glacier welcomes in Missoula Big Sky Friday for a AA football semifinal at Legends Stadium. 

The Wolfpack won the first matchup 56-7 on Oct. 22 thanks to three interceptions by Glacier’s defense and four rushing scores on offense. 

Wolfpack coach Grady Bennett noted that result looks more lopsided than the matchup should be viewed. 

“We have the ability as a team to just steamroll and that is what happened (Week 2) with Bozeman,” Bennett said. “Same things happened against Big Sky, and what was a competitive game was actually a blowout.” 

After Glacier took a 21-7 halftime lead, the Wolfpack jumped on the Eagles for 28 third-quarter points to put the game out of reach, including a pick-6 from Zane Moloney. 

Big Sky — the Western AA No. 3 seed — defeated Billings Skyview in its opening playoff round before taking a 38-21 decision on the road against Great Falls CMR in the quarterfinals. 

“We are aware of how talented this team is,” Bennett said. “Eli Kasberg is a kid who can dominate the field.” 

Kasberg — a University of Montana commit — guides the Eagles out the backfield and has 37 touchdowns combined, rushing and passing. 

He has thrown for 2,110 yards (best in AA) and 22 scores with another 851 yards and 15 touchdowns rushing. 

His favorite target through the air is Mason Ramos, who has 76 grabs for 979 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

Glacier knows it needs to start off better than it did in last week’s 53-29 victory over Bozeman. 

“One of our team rules in no excuses, the fact is we did not start with the level of execution that we expect,” Bennett said. 

When they did pick it up, it was the ground game that has led Glacier to success, much like it has all year. 

The running back trio of Trey Ramey, Eli Imperato and Kyle West have combined for 39 touchdowns this season, with Ramey leading the way at 19 scores.  

Ramey is fourth among AA running backs with 1,115 yards. 

Cash Keim continues his rise at quarterback for Glacier, sitting fifth in AA for passing yards with 1,565. He has 17 touchdowns with just four interceptions. 

Kickoff for Friday’s semifinal is slated for 6 p.m.  

“It is such a gift to have a semifinal game here in Kalispell,” said Bennett, whose team is gunning for a fourth straight state title appearance. “We appreciate the fans showing out last week and are thankful for the ones who come out tomorrow.” 

Friday’s other semifinal between Gallatin and Billings West starts a 7 p.m. at Daylis Stadium in Billings. 

Wolfpack vs. Eagles: 6 p.m., Legends Stadium (1039.com)