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Over the last two seasons, Lincoln Prep is a combined 17-3. The tally includes a post-season win last season over Excelsior Springs.

The Blue Tigers, 6-2 overall in this pandemic-shortened season, were undefeated headed into last year’s district championship game against Platte County but came up short. The setback was the team’s only loss during an 11-1 campaign.

On Friday, Lincoln Prep will make its 2020 postseason debut after receiving a first-round bye as the No. 1 seed in Missouri Class 4 District 7. The Blue Tigers will host 5-5 Van Horn, a 35-14 winner over East in the Week 10 district playoff opener.

In a chippy Week 5 contest at Van Horn, Lincoln Prep downed the Falcons 55-7. The game has no bearing on what will occur during Friday’s district semifinal on Bryan Field at Interscholastic League Stadium, Lincoln Prep head coach William Lowe said.

“It’s a new season,” he said. “Making a deep playoff run last season has helped our kids realize that there is still a lot of work to do. It’s win or go home time now and even though we beat Van Horn by 48 points in the regular season, that does not guarantee a playoff victory.

“We have to be ready to go right from the start.”

Van Horn head coach William Harris is confident his team will show up against the Blue Tigers. The Falcons struggled to put East away last week but made enough big plays down the stretch to set up a much-anticipated rematch.

“All a person can ask for in life is an opportunity,” Harris wrote on Twitter. “Last week we earned another opportunity to be great! Let’s take advantage of that opportunity tonight.”

Lincoln Prep is the last IL team standing. Southeast (4-5), the No. 5 seed in Missouri Class 3 District 7, lost to No. 4 Pembroke Hill (6-2).

East (3-7), the No. 5 seed in Class 4 District 7, lost to No. 4 seed Van Horn.

Kansas City Central (2-8), the No. 6 seed in Class 3 District 8, was handled by No. 3 seed Cameron (7-3).

And Northeast, the No. 7 seed in Class 3 District 8, finished the season 0-8 after losing to No. 2 seed Maryville (7-3).