For the first time in three years, neither Arima Senior Comprehensive nor St Anthony's College will contest the BG T&T Secondary Schools Football League National finals.
That gives new zonal league champions St Augustine Senior Secondary of the East and Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive of the North a chance to carve out a new legacy for themselves.
The "Green Machine", who have not had a National title since 1989, went through their zone unbeaten this season and would want to assert their dominance on their rivals and to bring back some glory to the East.
Mucurapo, on the other hand, were beaten Intercol finalists in 1998, but have been unable to reach that far since. This year, however, they have overcome deposed North Zone champs St Anthony's College, achieving victories in both meetings with them.
That presents an intriguing equation for the teams when they clash in the first 2004 SSFL "Big Five" semi-final at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar this afternoon.
They met in a pre-season practice match in which St Augustine had a big win, but Mucurapo manager Derek Phillip feels the two instances are quite different and now that his squad is up to full strength, the result will be in their favour.
"The spirit is pretty good, the guys are pretty optimistic, because we have seen ourselves as underdogs, and we have a point to prove," said Phillip yesterday.
Like today's opponents, St Augustine's strength lies in their attack and with national Under-17 striker Shastri Spencer and able forward Lorenzo King, as well as a formidable bench, they have found the net 50 times.
Mucurapo also have a robust front line with several attacking options, with captain Richard Roy and a host of talent on the bench, including young Akim Armstrong, who twice this season has come on as a substitute to provide a winner for his team.
Key striker Keshawne Hunte is doubtful, though, and that could prove to be a crucial factor.
In the league, the Green Machine have let in just 11 goals, but they have at times looked a little less confident at the back than going forward.
They have a very able custodian in Nigel Parris, though, and a workmanlike defence that will not make it easy for their opponents to penetrate.
Mucurapo, too, have a very calm defence capable of standing up well under pressure, but have at times conceded easy goals.
But with National Under-17 'keeper Nigel Thomas in goal, their confidence will certainly be boosted.
St Augustine coach Michael Grayson gave little hint as to his team's preparedness for the match, saying only they were "confident the result would be in our favour, although we have fine, quality opposition".
Both schools have lots in common and are both naturally attacking teams, but the side that can contend better with the pressure on the day is more likely to be the one earning the berth in the Big Five final.
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