The regular season finished on a sour note as the Atlantic Trojans fell to the Carroll Tigers 35-7 Friday night in the 3A District 6 championship game. Although the Trojans were in the game for two and a half quarters, the Tigers were the better team. Carroll drove the ball efficiently down the field all night, and the offensive line provided running room for Adam Malik. On the flip side, the Trojans struggled to produce the explosive plays that had propelled them to a five-game win streak. The game was closer than the score implied, and Atlantic had opportunities. However, the Trojans will have to make some adjustments heading into their postseason.

From the start of Carroll’s first drive, it was clear why they’ve had success running the ball throughout the season. The offensive line got great push throughout the night, and Malik showed vision and patience mixed with some speed and elusiveness. However, unlike the Trojans, who specialize in explosive runs, the Tigers were methodical. Picking up five to seven yards on nearly every play, Carroll quickly drove the field on their opening drive that was capped off by a two-yard touchdown run from Gavin Holt (a lineman put at fullback). Although the Trojans fumbled on their first drive, the Tigers would give it back to Atlantic twice. Once on a fumble on their second possession, and then on a muffed punt immediately after stopping the Trojans. Atlantic capitalized on the latter turnover. After recovering the muffed punt just outside the 30, Zayden Parker connected with Zander Killian on fourth and long, setting up Ethan McNeil for a six-yard touchdown run to tie the game.

Tied in the second quarter, Carroll immediately responded with another touchdown drive. After moving the ball down the field, the Trojans were able to force a fourth down. However, Carroll kept the offense on the field, and Camden King ran it in from three yards out to restore the touchdown lead. Although the Trojans would punt on the ensuing drive, the defense found a big stop. On fourth and two, King tried to sneak his way to a first down but was stuffed, giving Atlantic the ball back with time to work with. However, the offense couldn’t find its stride and was forced to punt all but ending the first half.

Coming out of the half, the Trojans started to find some momentum. Picking up some solid gainers, Atlantic quickly moved into Tiger territory, but inside the 4o were faced with fourth and 1. This time, it was Carroll’s turn to hold firm, stopping Kilian at the line of scrimmage, forcing a turnover on downs. After failing to get points on a drive they needed, Carroll delivered what felt like a knockout blow. Now late in the third quarter, the Trojan defense got another stop, and it looked as if they would get another opportunity to tie the game. However, the Tigers pulled off a nearly flawless fake punt and capitalized a few plays later on a Malik touchdown run.

Although Atlantic moved the ball at points, they never seriously threatened for the rest of the game. Carroll added two more touchdowns to close and a trio of interceptions to close out a district championship and a 35-7 win. Head coach Joe Brummer liked his team’s effort level, especially late, but knows the team will have to put this game behind them.

Although things didn’t go their way, there were still some positive takeaways on offense.

Although the loss is disappointing, the Trojans have a lot to be proud of. Atlantic finished the regular season with a 6-3 record, some magical moments, and a postseason berth. Brummer, disappointed himself, said that feeling is a mark of a team heading in the right direction and credits his team for the hard work and dedication to get to this point.

Atlantic’s playoff opponent has yet to be decided. However, it is very likely the Trojans will hit the road come next Friday.