A district championship will be on the line Friday night when the Carroll Tigers host the Atlantic Trojans. After running through a gauntlet of a non-district schedule (include losses to Gilbert, Spencer, and Lewis Central), the Tigers are undefeated in the district including two shutouts over Creston and Greene County. Head coach Craig Rowedder says his team is excited for the opportunity to play is a district championship game.

Much like Atlantic, the Tigers’ offense is run heavy, and they bring an explosive back to the table.  Adam Malik has rushed for 1,131 yards and 15 touchdowns. In addition to his football IQ and athleticism, Rowedder also says he is as selfless as they come.

You also can’t forget about quarterback Camden King. Although his passing numbers aren’t astronomical (703 yards and 8 touchdowns), he does bring a run element into his game. Prior to starting at quarterback, he rotated around the field last season. However, as far as his development at quarterback, Rowedder has seen his decions improve throughout the course of the season.

Carroll and Atlantic, at least on paper, are similar teams as far as what they want to accomplish. The goal on defense will be to limit Ethan McNeal’s explosiveness, and he feels as if Malik is helping his defense prepare for the challenge.

The keys for both teams are similar. Establish the run, win the turnover battle, and limit explosive plays and Rowedder says it the same for them. You can catch all the action on KJANTV with kickoff following the Kuemper Catholic playoff game.