All the hard work and preparation has led to this moment as a new season begins.
The UIL football playoffs officially started Thursday night and several DFW teams hope this season ends better than last season.
By "several," I mean all of them. North Texas high schools were shut out in 2015, not winning a single state title game. The last time that happened was 2010.
"Well, I think we were a little spoiled. We kind of forgot that the whole state is really good at football," The Dallas Morning News sports writer Matt Wixon said. "It was a stunner last year. We didn't even have a team in the finals in 6A for the first time in close to a decade."
That should change in 2016. Allen and DeSoto are both undefeated and the Metroplex's favorites to win 6A championships.
"A lot people were devastated that we lost last year," Allen senior defensive lineman Cole Maxwell said. "But we're back this year. We're going to represent the DFW this year."
DeSoto High School wide receiver K.D. Nixon said they got back to work shortly after losing last season. He said the senior leadership should carry them further this year.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
"Off-season to spring to summer workouts to two-a-days to team bonding with the leadership council. This is the most seniors we've ever had," he said.
Allen and DeSoto are in different divisions, so they won't face each other.
