District A-2 preview: Thomas-Fay-Custer hopes to take next step

But both times, after deep playoff runs, their state title hopes were cut short in the semifinals by Woodland.

“Yeah, they've been though on us,” Thomas coach Bob Ward said. “But it's only made us more hungry. We've gotten close, but we haven't finished.”

And that's what 2012 is all about. Finishing.

With 15 seniors on his roster — many of them returning starters — Ward hopes his suddenly experienced team can take advantage of a final chance.

“We have a lot of talent, a lot of guys that have started three or four years,” Ward said. “I think we return like eight guys on both sides of the ball. These guys realize it's their last year and it's their goal to finish the right way.”

HOLLIS BUILDING OFF LATE-SEASON RUN

Hollis' 2011 campaign was the perfect example of a tale of two seasons.

In a disastrous first half, the Tigers went winless, with four of the five losses by double-digits.

But facing an uphill battle, Hollis won its final four regular-season games, leading to an easy 48-13 victory over Empire in the first round of the playoffs.

“We battled back and showed our heart,” Tigers coach Reade Box said. “Our early season losses were all against tough teams. Some of the best teams in Texas.”