The University Interscholastic League football playoffs reach the area round this week, and it feels a lot like last year for Frisco ISD teams. For the second straight year, Frisco, Independence and Lone Star high schools will be in action during the second week of the playoffs.

All three advanced to the third round of the playoffs last year, and Lone Star advanced all the way to the 5A Division I state semifinals.

Here is this week’s schedule, along with some information about the three FISD teams.

-- THURSDAY --
Independence v. Highland Park, 7 p.m., Globe Life Park in Arlington
-- FRIDAY --
Lone Star v. Magnolia, 7:30 p.m., Corsicana
Frisco v. South Oak Cliff, 7:30 p.m., Kincaide Stadium in Dallas

--- Frisco ---
*Head coach: Jeff Harbert (2nd season)
*2020 record: 7-1
*First round: Frisco 52, Royse City 9
*Advanced 3 rounds in playoffs in 2019
*3 straight winning seasons
*3 straight playoff seasons
*Facing South Oak Cliff in playoffs for third straight year (lost in 2018, won in 2019)

-- Independence --
*Head coach: Kyle Story (7th season)
*2020 record: 5-4
*First round: Independence 58, Woodrow Wilson 10
*Have won 5 of last 6 games
*Advanced 3 rounds in playoffs in 2019
*5 straight winning seasons
*3 straight playoff seasons
*Lost to Highland Park 35-14 in first round of 2018 playoffs

-- Lone Star --
*Head coach: Jeff Rayburn (8th season)
*2020 record: 6-3
*First round: Lone Star 61, W.T. White 15
*2019 State semifinalist in 5A Division I
*9 straight winning seasons
*6 straight playoff seasons
*Has advanced at least 3 rounds in the playoffs the last 3 seasons
*5A Division II state runner-up in 2015