The last time Hillsboro competed with Southeast of Saline in district play, the Trojans (purple ones, that is) went on to win the 3A 2005 state championship.

Since then, it has been the Trojans of Hillsboro who have found more success, winning four playoff games the past year to Southeast’s zero.

SES evened its record this past week with a 16-12 victory against Ellsworth, and the Pat Haxton-coached squad is usually disciplined if not talented as well.

In this battle of the Trojans, HHS must balance the running and passing games to improve to 1-0 in district play.