The Atlantic Trojans will be on the road this Halloween to open their postseason against the Bishop Heelan Crusaders. For the Trojans, it marks their first playoff appearance since 2020 and despite the long trip, Atlantic is ready to put their best foot forward.

That’s Atlantic head coach Joe Brummer who also says they are accustomed to making long hauls.

Waiting at the end of the line will be the 7-2 Crusaders. Bishop Heelan has won four of their last five and like Atlantic will be looking to bounce back from a season finale loss. Defensively, the Trojans will need to find a way to stop University of Iowa commit Kasen Thomas.

Brummer says swarming the football will be a massive key to limiting his production, as well as slowing down an offense that averages over 25 points per game.

On offense, the Trojans will have to find a way through a talented and stingy defense. Bishop Heelan has allowed more than 21 points just once this season and are led by Zack Harpenau who has amassed 56 tackles with a pair of sacks and 4 tackles for loss. Brummer says that the Trojans will need to block well especially at the linebacker level.

The Crusaders defense has been particularly stingy in the redzone and Brummer knows that his team will have to execute at a high level to get into the endzone.

This game will be won or lost in the trenches and Brummer says the line of scrimmage will be as important as ever.

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