On the other hand, getting into postseason play is a fresh opportunity for the other four local squads still alive - Belton, Lampasas, Gatesville and Rosebud-Lott.
When bi-district action kicks off later this week, Belton's Tigers will be making their first playoff appearance since 2003, Lampasas' Badgers their first since 2000, Gatesville's Hornets their first since 2002 and Rosebud-Lott's Cougars their first since 2004.
All of those schools have a different head coach - Rodney Southern, Joey McQueen, Kyle Cooper and Robby Edwards, respectively - than the last time they were in a playoff game.
Belton, which shared the District 12-5A championship and finished the regular season 9-1, will battle Mesquite Horn (6-4) on Friday in Mansfield.
Troy (8-2), coming off of a thrilling 50-48 triple-overtime loss at McGregor in Friday's 16-2A title game, will take on No. 9-ranked Godley (10-0) on Thursday night at Waco ISD Stadium.
gwille@temple-telegram.com
