Cullman’s journey to a state championship begins today.

The Class 6A No. 1 Bearcats (37-7) open a possible three-game series with second-ranked Helena (36-5) at Paterson Field at 6 p.m. in search of their fifth Blue Map in program history. The matchup will continue Friday at 10 a.m. at Riverwalk Stadium. Game 3 would follow at approximately 1 p.m. if needed.

The Black and Gold — who defeated Helena 5-0 early this season on the back of Jacob Heatherly’s no-hitter — have won 19 of their past 21 contests and enter Montgomery’s showdown sporting an 8-0 record in the playoffs.

Coach Brent Patterson’s squad has outscored its opponents 60-8 during the postseason stretch.

The Huskies have been equally impressive in the playoffs, outpacing teams 45-5 en route to an 8-0 start as well.

Cullman was swept during last year’s state championship series by Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa after winning the title in 2015.