On the opposing sideline tonight for the ADM Tigers will be Class 3-A powerhouse Harlan.

The Cyclones, led by head coach Curt Bladt, are one of the most storied programs in Iowa high school football, having won an incredible 11 state championships in Bladt’s tenure.

Harlan has already wrapped up the District 1 championship, so there is a chance that marquee players will get some rest tonight for the upcoming playoff season, but don’t expect that to lessen the challenge on ADM’s hands.

The Cyclones only loss of the season came against top-10 Carroll, and they didn’t have star tailback Nate Gettys in that contest.  Gettys is back to full health now, and he’s the offensive focal point that ADM will have to stop tonight.  The senior running back has rushed for over 880 yards on the season and has 10 touchdowns to his name as well.

On the flip side for the Tigers, they’ve got to find a way to move the football consistently against Harlan’s stout defense.  The Cyclones are only surrendering about 228 yards of offense to opposing teams and allowing just over 12 points per game.  ADM’s improving but inconsistent offensive line will have the tall task of slowing down the likes of Cale Stork and Shawn Schaben on Harlan’s defensive line.  Those two players have combined for 14 ½ tackles for loss and three sacks on the year.

While Harlan might seem like the heavy favorite coming in, Coach Bladt expects tonight’s game to be another classic between these two teams, just as it has been many times in recent years.

“Oh we’ve had some great ballgames down at ADM… I remember an overtime game that was a real nail biter down there, and several other times–we had an overtime game up here last year.  So ADM has always come to play when they play us and they play hard.”

Pregame coverage of ADM’s Senior Night will begin at 7 o’clock tonight on 107.9FM, KKRF.  As always, kick-off will follow at 7:30.