Both Class 5A finalists, Snider and Lawrence Central, are both returning to the state finals having lost in their previous trip(s) to the postseason's final round.

The Panthers fell in the 5A game in 2004, 35-23 to Warren Central, as well as 2002 and 1986, and in 3A in 1981. Snider won the 5A state championship 21 years ago in 1991.

The Bears fell in 2010 to Fishers 38-19.

It leaves both programs with a lot of motivation to come out with the big trophy Saturday in the 5A state title game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

"If they are not zoned in now, they never will be," Lawrence Central coach Jayson West said Monday at the media session. "There is nothing I can really say. They are going to be too jacked up. I am going to have to spend my whole week bringing them back down to planet Earth. That's a great situation to be in, and we are glad to do it."