The similarities between the Royals’ postseason run and the Chieftains’ postseason beginning were plentiful entering Tuesday’s Class 4-1A regional opener against Maur Hill-Mount Academy. When THS met Monday at the school’s soccer complex, all Kroll had to do was connect the dots.

“It’s very easy to go ‘look at where they’re at right now,” Kroll said of the Royals. “They’re coming home. If they lose the first game and it’s over. If they win, they play again the next day.’ It all makes sense to these kids because, baseball fans or not, they’re all following this.”

That do-or-die mentality will need to be in place the rest of the season if Kroll’s squad wants to secure a spot in the state tournament next week at Bonner Springs. The Chieftains (12-3-1) entered Tuesday’s matchup on an eight-game win streak, including an 8-0 victory Thursday in their regular season finale at Leavenworth-Immaculata. But, a loss now would mean the end of the season.

The top seed in its northeast regional field, THS would play on its home field at least until the state quarterfinals. The Chieftains are 7-1 at home this season with three shutouts. Their only loss came more than a full month ago in a 5-1 setback against Mill Valley — their last defeat of any kind.

Oddly enough, the Chieftains’ most recent home game resulted in a 5-2 senior-night victory Oct. 14 against Maur Hill. According to Kroll, though, plenty has changed in the less than two weeks since the teams last shared the field.

“Even as far back as senior night, we’re a different team now than we were then,” he said. “We’re clicking on all cylinders right now, which is exactly what you’re supposed to be doing it.”

The No. 12-seeded Ravens (5-10-1) set up Tuesday’s rematch with a 3-2 win Monday in a play-in game against Bonner Springs.

The game against the Ravens will begin at 4 p.m. With a win, the Chieftains will advance to Thursday’s regional championship game, where they’ll host the winner of No. 6 Piper and No. 7 Kansas City Christian. THS picked up a 3-2 overtime win Sept. 18 at Piper, but has not faced KC Christian this season. The Chieftains have reached the regional finals in each of the last five years, winning titles in 2011 and 2012.