Every opponent from here on out is a playoff team. They’re playoff teams for a reason and should not and cannot be taken for granted. Records, common opponents, comparing scores. Those things simply aren’t important – not at this point.

Don’t forget. One loss and it’s time for basketball practice. Now is not the time to take any opponent lightly or be caught looking ahead.

I became a little concerned Saturday night after the pairings were released. There was a good reason to be pleased with the draw and the legitimate opportunity that potentially lies ahead these next weeks for a talented Effingham Hearts football team.

But there are no guaranteed wins left. After hearing a couple comments from players, parents and fans, I got a little worried. I’ve been doing this a long, long time. Believe me, I’ve seen numerous teams, regardless of the sport, eliminated from the postseason simply because they weren’t properly focused on the opponent in front of them.

Confidence is a great thing. Overconfidence can be a dangerous thing.

The only thing that matters Saturday is Breese Central. You can’t help but like the Hearts chances. But who expected the Giants to beat the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl several years ago? Who thought that Villanova would knock off mighty Georgetown for the NCAA championship during Patrick Ewing’s era? And just two weeks ago, who gave Illinois even the slightest chance of beating highly-ranked Wisconsin?

Nobody gave the ultimate winners of those contests any possibility of winning.

Were the Pats, Hoyas and Badgers guilty of being overconfident? Taking a seemingly less-talented opponent for granted?

Who knows? And it doesn’t really matter the reason. When the final horn sounded, the heavy favorite was not the team celebrating victory.

I was thrilled when the Class 4A pairings were released. I believe Effingham has a legitimate chance at winning some games in this playoff. I know how excited this town got last year when the Hearts advanced to the third round and nearly pulled off a shocker over Bishop McNamara. I’d love to see this year’s team get the opportunity to do something great again.

But that will only happen if the Hearts can beat Breese Central. Then, and only then, they can take a look at their next opponent. Right now, it doesn’t matter who that might be.

Thankfully, EHS has a coach that isn’t going to let the players think about who they might play in the second round. Coach Brett Hefner’s focus will solely be on Breese Central and preparing a successful game plan.

My wish is that the parents, fellow students and fans will also help keep the team focused on this Saturday’s game – and only this Saturday’s game.

I just want to see the guys play their best and “leave everything on the field.” Do that and the following weekend will take care of itself.

Just don’t forget.

One game at a time.