Think Waukon is looking ahead? Think again.

Marion? Fat chance.

The area’s two best Class 3A teams, No. 2 Waukon and No. 9 Marion are on full alert as regionals open Wednesday.

“We’re only concerned about Decorah,” said Waukon Coach Gene Klinge, whose squad was forced to overtime by the Vikings 15 days ago. “Last time we played them, we made some mistakes and almost got beat.

“Hopefully that will be a blessing in disguise.”

Regionals open in 3A and 4A throughout the state. While Waukon (20-1) hosts Decorah (9-11) in Region 4, Marion (20-1) entertains Benton Community (11-10) in Region 5.

All games start at 7 p.m.

Marion swept the Bobcats in the regular season, but both games were reasonably competitive.

“Every team is dangerous,” said Marion Coach Sherryl Gaffney-Paige. “We’re familiar to them; they’re familiar to us. It’s time to turn up the heat.”

Last time Marion played Benton, Morgan Paige scored a school-record 43 points as the Indians pulled away late to win, 80-64.

The majority of the Metro/Iowa City 4A schools have first-round byes. The only quarterfinal game of area interest has Cedar Rapids Prairie (3-17) at No. 9 Cedar Rapids Washington (12-8).