Football coaches love to say “there are no easy games in the playoffs.”

This week, that expression will seem more true than ever for most of the Greater Rome teams that qualified for the postseason.

With the exception of the top-ranked Calhoun Yellow Jackets and Region 6-A champion Darlington Tigers, the other four local teams will be considered sizeable underdogs in the opening round.

The Armuchee Indians, Pepperell Dragons, and Chattooga Indians are all facing powerhouses from Region 6-AA, which is widely considered the best region in the state.

Pepperell, the No. 3 seed from 7-AA, has perhaps the biggest challenge. The Dragons are traveling to Buford to face the two-time defending state champion Wolves.

Chattooga, the No. 4 seed from 7-AA, will be in a similar situation, journeying to Atlanta to face a Lovett team that went 9-1 this season, including a win over Buford. (It was Buford’s first loss to a region opponent since 2000).

Armuchee, which lost to Calhoun in last Friday’s 7-AA championship game, is hosting Westminster this week in the Indians’ first playoff game in 10 years. Westminster beat Lovett during the regular season, and is considered by many to be a contender to win the state crown.

And the Trion Bulldogs? They are making the long trek to Lincoln County to face one of the most tradition-rich programs in the state.

Calhoun and Darlington will each be at home this week and will be facing fourth-seeded opponents.

The Jackets, who reached the AA finals last season, are hosting Avondale at Phil Reeve Stadium, while Darlington is hosting Warren County in a Class A first-round game at Chris Hunter Stadium.

Darlington and Calhoun are the only local teams to be assured of hosting second-round games, should they both advance.