(Atlantic) Atlantic’s homecoming is Friday night, and it is also the start of the district portion of the schedule. Atlantic, 4-1, hosts 3-1 Knoxville. Atlantic Head Coach Joe Brummer says tomorrow night is the start of a new season when it comes to landing a berth in post-season play.
Knoxville rolls into town on a three-game winning streak. After losing to Boone in week one, the Panthers knocked off Clarke, South Tama, Des Moines, and Hoover. The Trojans are preparing for an aerial attack. The Panthers have thrown the ball 113 times this season compared to 76 rushing plays. Quarterback Brandon Woolsey is the real deal, completing 59,4 percent of his passes for 773 yards, ten touchdowns, and two interceptions. Woolsey’s main target is Koby Higginbotham, who has made 18 catches for 273 yards.
Coach Brummer says Knoxville plays to their strength, and their strong point is the passing game. Besides Higginbotham, Eli Fuller has ten catches for 162 yards, TaShawn Conner 12 catches for 142, and Max Magana eleven catches for 132.
The Trojans enter district play with 1,576 rushing yards, led by Tyson O’Brien, averaging 7.6 yards per carry for 860 yards. Fullback Gavin McLaren has 45 carries for 312 yards. Head Coach Joe Brummer says they must ramp it up despite the impressive numbers.
Jake Wailes leads the team in tackles with 32.5, Carter Hadley with 25.5 tackles, and Evan Sorensen with 23. Regarding turnovers, the Trojans have seven interceptions and two fumble recoveries. The Panthers have snagged five passes and recovered three fumbles.
The game will be broadcast on 95.7 F.M. and live video-streamed on westerniowatoday.com. The pre-game show starts at 6:00 p.m., and the kick-off is at 7:00 p.m.
