When the playoffs tighten and the field narrows, every weakness becomes a spotlight.

The Coppell football team knows that better than most. Last week’s 38–0 shutout over Plano looked effortless on the scoreboard. Inside the locker room, the Cowboys know the win is less like a celebration, and more so a warning. The deeper the postseason run, the smaller the margin for error.

That reality arrives Friday at 7 p.m., when Coppell (9-1) faces Richardson (9-2) at Standridge Stadium in Carrollton in the Class-6A Division-I area playoffs.

Defensive discipline has been the focus this week.

“They’ve got a lot of speed at the receiver position, so we are working on playing with the correct leverage, keeping the ball in front of us and limiting the big plays,” Coppell coach Antonio Wiley said.

Even after the decisive victory over Plano, Wiley sees areas for this team to improve.

“Penalties and mistakes and self-inflicted wounds,” Wiley said. “If you can’t eliminate friendly fire against a really good team, you’re going to lose the game.”

Offensively, the Cowboys hope to establish the run game early and using it to open vertical opportunities downfield.

“If we can neutralize their big defensive front, run the football and create opportunities to take a shot here and there, we’ll be in a pretty good place,” Wiley said. “It comes down to doing the little things right and finding a way.”

With the battle against Richardson lingering, Coppell’s defense will again be tested. However, Wiley sees no reason to doubt the unit that has carried the Cowboys through crucial stretches all season.

“I trust our kids,” Wiley said. “They always rise to the occasion and I think this week will be no different.”

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