DANVILLE — One of the most recognized football programs in the state of Illinois stands between the Danville Vikings and the IHSA Class 6A state title game.

The New Lenox Providence Catholic Celtics have won nine state titles in school history and they have .789 winning percentage (75-20) in playoff games.

Additionally, Providence Catholic won the Chicago Catholic League Blue title and the Celtics (11-1) finished the year as the top-rated team in Class 6A.

“That doesn’t bother us,’’ Danville senior guard Mike Bowman said. “We just played Lemont, they had been in the state title game the past two years. It didn’t change anything in that game.

“Those are past teams, this is now. They have to do what they’ve got to do to win this game and we’ve got to do what we’ve got to do win this game.’’

According to Bowman, today’s game is just another football game.

“We know how to play football and they know how to play football,’’ he said. “It’s basically the gateway to the state championship.

“We have to beat these guys to get a shot at the state title.’’

For the third straight week, the Danville Vikings (12-0) are the underdogs against a team from the Chicago suburbs.

“We haven’t been getting respect all year from any of the teams in Chicago or the Chicago area media,’’ said Danville senior wide receiver Derrick Cunningham, who had the game-winning 60-yard touchdown reception in the 18-14 win over Lemont. “This is a great test to see if we belong in the state championship game.’’

Today’s Class 6A semifinal contest will kick off at 3 p.m. and the gates at Ned Whitesell Field will open at 1 p.m.

This is just the third state semifinal appearance in Danville school history as the Vikings won in 1976 against Wheaton-Warrenville (14-0), but lost in 1978 to LaSalle-Peru (28-19).

“This whole town and school have embraced the playoffs,’’ Danville coach B.J. Luke said.

But, is it difficult to face a program that has such a successful history?

“Four years ago, it wouldn’t have been real hard to go up against them,’’ Luke said. “But, now, we are a program that knows how to win. Our kids are fine with it. They know that Providence is a good football team, just like the past two teams that we have played and just like Bloomington and Normal in our conference.’’

The Celtics feature an tradition I-back offense with all-state running back Tim Hanrahan leading the way with 1,637 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.

“Providence does a good job of blending the run and pass,’’ said Luke, pointing out that quarterback Joey Houlihan has thrown for 1,408 yards and nine scores. “Their run back (Hanrahan) is the focus for running the ball, as he has the majority of their yards.

“But, they are a typical I-back team with good play-action game, they will make you defend the whole field.’’

While the Celtics offense has one all-stater, their defense features an all-state nose guard in Steve Laski, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound senior, and an all-state defensive back Pete Houlihan, a 5-11, 165-pound senior.

“Providence has an athletic team and they know how to win games,’’ Cunningham said. “It’s a team that if you make mistakes against them, they will make you pay for them.’’

Providence has forced 22 turnovers this season and Pete Houlihan has two interceptions returns for touchdowns, two punt returns for scores, one kickoff return for a touchdown and three touchdowns receiving.

The Vikings have also been pretty proficient in creating turnovers with their Meat House defense.

Danville has scored 133 of its 415 points this season coming off the 35 turnovers the Vikings have forced.

Danville’s offense has primarily been a ground attack, as the Vikings average 241.4 rushing yards a game. But a week ago, senior quarterback Malcolm Anderson was 11-of-21 for 234 yards and two touchdowns.

“Every team talks about playing hard and we’ve got to do that, but we have to make sure that we do everything right,’’ Bowman said. “You have to do everything technique sound. You have to know your assignments and we have to play with heart.’’

According to Luke and his players, the Vikings still have not played a perfect game this season.

“We’ve still got something in the tank,’’ he said.

Today’s IHSA Class 6A semifinal is set for a 3 p.m. kickoff and gates open at 1. Tickets cost $6 and the game can be heard locally on WDAN-AM 1490 and WRHK-FM 94.9.

It’s also available on the Internet at http://www.vermilioncountyfirst.com.

Neuhoff Broadcasting general manager Mike Hulvey said nearly 2,000 people listened to last week’s Lemont game on the Internet.