(Atlantic) #9 Atlantic hosts Class 2A District 9 foe Des Moines, Christian in round two of the Class 2A State Playoffs. The Trojans earned a bye in the first round as the District 9 champion. The Lions advanced to the second round with a 38-0 win over Albia.
This is the second matchup for these two teams this season. Atlantic won the first meeting 38-0 on September 25 at Des Moines, Christian. Atlantic Head Coach Mike McDermott says the Lions have improved.
Lion’s running back Josh Shank is the go-to-guy on offense. The junior has 57 carries for 391 yards averaging of 6.9 yards per carrying, with four touchdowns. Coach McDermott said Shank, at 6’1 230 pounds, will be a load to bring down.
Coach McDermott is impressed with DMC quarterback Jaxon Withers.
McDermott says one key will be managing the cold weather conditions.
The Trojans have 17 takeaways this season: 14 interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Des Moines, Christian, has 15 takeaways. Four fumble recoveries and 11 interceptions.
The Lions have run 170 passing plays for 883 yards and 173 running plays for 881 yards. The Trojans have run 93 passing plays for 850 yards and 258 running plays for 1,136 rushing yards.
With four straight shutouts, the Trojan defense held the Lions in the first meeting to a stingy 60-yards passing and 44-yards rushing. The Trojans Offense passed for 184 yards and rushed for another 158.
The kick-off is at 7:00 p.m. We will have the broadcast on 95.7 FM. Pre-game coverage starts at 6:30 p.m.
