The stakes are set.

The Coppell football team has already punched its ticket to the playoffs, but on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Marcus High School against Marcus, it will finish what it started.

After securing its first shutout of the season in a 35-0 win over Flower Mound, Coppell won’t rest. 

The Cowboys are focused on staying sharp this month, treating last week’s dominant performance as a stepping stone rather than a finish line. 

“We came off a big win, but what we did last week is just that: last week,” Coppell coach Antonio Wiley said. “That was a great performance, but we’ve got to get to where we’re playing our best football going into the playoffs.”

The message this week has been about maintaining energy and execution. 

“Good teams play their best football in November,” Wiley said. “We’re a good team, so we have to take care of business.”

Facing a Marcus team eliminated from playoff contention, Coppell knows it cannot afford a letdown.

“They’re probably thinking that a great way to end their season is to come out of it with a win,” Wiley said. “We’ve got to execute the plan and make sure we don’t let up easy.”

For the Cowboys, this final regular-season matchup is about more than momentum but about handling a Marcus offense that thrives on tempo and quick strikes. Containing their big-play ability and winning at the point of attack will be key for Coppell to control the game early and carry confidence into the postseason.

“If we can put them away early and control the game, that’ll put us in a much better position,” Wiley said. “It’s all about preparation and making sure we don’t take a step back.”

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