Friday night will be the most important night in the Trojans’ season to date as they prepare to host the Haran Cyclones. A win secures a berth in the postseason and keeps your rival on the outside looking in. A loss forces a must-win next week and flips the script with just a game remaining. However, getting that win will require a feat that Atlantic has not accomplished in 23 years. Beating the Harlan Cyclones. Head coach Joe Brummer and the team are aware of what is at stake and want to take advantage of the opportunity in front of them.

Big games bring lots of excitement, which can be beneficial. However, it can also be detrimental. Too much hype can lead to overconfidence, misreads, penalties, and a host of other issues. Although a healthy amount of excitement is always good, Brummer knows that his team will have to stay in the moment.

The Trojans will be facing one of the best players that they have seen to date in quarterback Gabe Arkfeld. Throwing for 11 scores and over 1,110 yards, he is accurate, experienced, and tenacious.

Atlantic’s defense has arguably been the strongest part of the team. The pass rush has been especially effective this year against mobile quarterbacks. The Trojan defense has recorded multiple sacks in three of its last four games, including four last week against Greene County. Brummer says that pressuring Arkfeld will ned to be an important factor.

Offensively, the run game will have to be at its best. Ethan McNeal leads 3A in rushing and all-purpose yards, and the Trojans will need him to continue his A-level production. However, besides leaning on the run game, the turnover margin and smart football will be key for the Trojans to pull off something they have not done in a long time.

You can catch all the action on KJANTV with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 pm. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm.