There was a time when Silsbee would schedule softer teams before district. They'd play Kelly, Beaumont Legacy, East Chambers, Kirbyville, etc. Think they even played Hardin one year. They did make state a year or two during that era, but never won anything. They also went home a little too early for my taste a few times.
I'd prefer it if they challenge themselves before district, even if they bite off more than they can chew sometimes.