ADM Football faces perhaps its toughest test of the season tonight, when they’ll head to Creston for a Class 3A-District 8 showdown with the Panthers at 7:30 p.m.

The matchup features the district’s top two offenses,but with one important difference. Creston leads the district with an average of nearly 407 yards per game, while ADM is next with 294 per contest. But whereas ADM has had a difficult time getting the ball in the end zone — the Tigers are second-to-last in the district in scoring at 11.6 points per game — Creston has translated its impressive yardage total into points. The Panthers average 32.2 points per game, tops in the district.

Creston’s high-flying offense has lead them to a 4-1 record overall and a 3-0 record in district play, good for a  first-place tie with Dallas-Center Grimes. The Panthers feature two of the top runners in the district in sophomore halfback Chases Shiltz (second with 371 yards; averages 5.5 yards per carry and has scored five touchdowns) and senior quarterback Alex Nielsen (fifth with 320 yards; averages 6.2 yards per carry and has five rushing TDs).

Nielsen is also the district’s tops passer with 1,052 yards, just ahead of ADM junior quarterback Frank Weiland, who has 1,025 yards through the air.

The key themes for ADM (2-3, 1-2 District) are simple. First, can the Tigers stout defense slow down Creston? ADM has surrendered just 16.2 points per game, but will be challenged by an offense that is capable of beating opponents with a power-running game and spread out aerial assault.

Secondly, ADM must hold on to the ball and find a way to get the ball in the end zone. ADM head coach Mike Whisner told Raccoon Valley Radio his team has done a good job of moving the ball between the 20’s, but simply has to be better in the red zone. And like in several games this season, ADM committed multiple turnovers last week in the loss to Winterset.

Our coverage on KKRF 107.9 FM begins at 6:45 p.m. Kickoff is 7:30.