Hamilton and Gilbert didn't wait long to establish leads Wednesday and folllowed those up with the staying power defensively to garner 1-0 victories over Highland and Desert Vista, respectively, in the Division I boys soccer semifinals at Campo Verde High School.

All four D-I semfiinals -- boys and girls -- ended with 1-0 final scores. The D-I finals are Saturday (Feb. 13) at Campo Verde. Hamilton and Desert Vista meet at 4 p.m. in the girls final followed at 6:30 p.m. by Hamilton and Gilbert.

Josh Drak scored on free kick (following a handball on Highland) from 20 yards out in the fourth minute for the goal that propelled No. 3 Hamilton (18-2-3) to its fifth title-game berth in the last seven years. Drak was the lone tormentor this season for Hamilton against No. 7 Highland. He scored both goals in a 2-1 win over the Hawks the first week of January.

Gilbert's tally came in the 24th minute with Afonso Slater heading in a throw-in from Robby Baca. Slater got position and his leaping ability and placement in front of a shorter defender were just what the Tigers ordered. It capped a half dominated by No. 4 Gilbert (16-5), which will play in its fourth state final and its first since 2007. Highland finished its season 14-4-2 and Desert Vista closed with a 9-10-2 mark.

"I'd like to start every game like this one," Hamilton coach Nick Markette said of his club's quick goal. "We knew early they were one of the class teams in the state (top four), and we were in for a dogfight."

Hamilton paid close attention to Highland's top scorer Hunter Figueroa, who had a hat trick in the Hawks' quarterfinal win over Pinnacle. Figueroa got a perhaps two good chances -- the best late in the first half when he had a one-on-one from the right of the box. His shot sailed just wide left. Hamilton switched defenders in the second half and Figueroa was basically silent.

What Highland coach Rich Esperti didn't want to see happen did with Hamilton's quick strke.

"We told our guys we can't give up set pieces around the box," Esperti said. "They are too dangerous. .... When you get to this point it's usually a set piece that decides it. Both teams had some quality chances, but they were the better team today."

Gilbert blitzed its first two opponents in the tournament, 5-0 and 5-1. The Tigers were able to get five corners in the first half vs. Desert Vista and almost all their throw-ins are dangerous with the ability of somersaulting junior Zach Hellman. Gilbert had to settle for one goal, but its defense, particularly in the second half, was sturdy as it has been virtually all season. Gilbert's shutout  was its 11th this year. 

"We've been playing pretty well," Gilbert coach Jeff Perry said. "We like dead-ball situations. We only got the one to go, but had some other good opportunities. We beat them 5-0 earlier, but they had a couple red cards and that was at best a two-goal game. They are much better than that score, and I think they showed that."

Desert Vista coach Mark Wilson told his team, the tournament's No. 16 seed, not to hang its head because its season is done.

"I told them to take this with them," Wilson said. "The run ended in the final four, but it was a good ride and they should enjoy it. It's not guaranteed next year. At the start of the season, even in the middle I would have said, "No. Don't bet on us." They came together and look how far they came."